The Carol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) grantmaking foundation established in 1998 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The foundation was created by Carol Lavin Bernick, former executive chairman of Alberto-Culver Company, a $1.6 billion global manufacturer of consumer products including TRESemmé hair care products, until its acquisition by Unilever in 2011. Bernick is also the author of *Gather as You Go* and CEO of Polished Nickel Capital Management.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$451K
-26.8% YoY
Grant Count
56
-23.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$8K
-4.6% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation does not maintain a published mission statement. However, its grantmaking focuses primarily on:
- Education (K-12 and higher education)
- Health organizations
- Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
- Human Services
The foundation demonstrates particular commitment to educational institutions, with notable involvement in support of Tulane University, Carol Bernick's alma mater (graduated 1974), where she has served as an emerita board member. Education grantees have included Big Shoulders Fund, Francis W Parker School, Golden Apple Foundation for Excellence in Teaching, and St Joseph Catholic School.
Grantmaking
The foundation does not appear to accept unsolicited proposals. It supports preselected organizations and operates as an inaccessible foundation, making it difficult for new grantseekers to gain consideration without established connections.
How to Apply
**
Ready to take the next step with Carol Bernick Family Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Carol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation is a place-based funder with primary focus on:
- Greater Chicago area (primary priority)
- Illinois
- Wisconsin
- Louisiana
Chicago is identified as an area of particular priority for this funder.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total assets: $8,284,549
- Total giving: $450,962
- Total revenues: $1,709,833
- Total expenses: $521,671
- Number of employees: 0
As of 2023:
- Total assets: $7.1 million
- Total revenues: $1.29 million
- Total expenses: $679,000
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Carol Lavin Bernick — Founder and primary decision-maker. Her children are noted as being on the foundation's board and engaged in business ventures, with potential influence on giving priorities.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAROL BERNICK | PRESIDENT/TREASURER | — | — |
| CRAIG BERNICK | DIRECTOR | — | — |
| PETER BERNICK | DIRECTOR | — | — |
| ELIZABETH BERNICK HUBER | VICE PRESIDENT/SECRETARY | — | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has announced multiple grant rounds in recent years, including:
Bernick Family Foundation Awards $300K in Grants - CommunityGivingAwards of $300,000 in grants across multiple recipients
Bernick Family Foundation Awards $300K in Grants - CommunityGiving$200,000 in grants distributed in a recent grant cycle
Bernick Family Foundation Awards $300K in Grants - CommunityGiving$30,000 awarded to St. Cloud Youth Programs as part of a $300,000 statewide grant distribution
Bernick Family Foundation Awards $30K to St. Cloud Youth Programs, $300KSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Green and Blue Foundation
CHICAGO, IL
Assets
—
Grants
3
Total Given
$51K
Above and Beyond Daycare Center
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, IL
Assets
—
Grants
0
Total Given
—
Primo Center for Women & Children
CHICAGO, IL
Assets
$9.7M
Grants
1
Total Given
$35K
Rose Lafferty Educational Fund Xxxxx9006
CHICAGO, IL
Assets
$3.4M
Grants
1
Total Given
$228K
The John Crerar Foundation
CHICAGO, IL
Assets
$991K
Grants
1
Total Given
$35K
Fostering Success
WAYNE, IL
Assets
$38K
Grants
1
Total Given
$2K
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Carol Bernick Family Foundation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities