Enchanted Backpack is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and private operating foundation based in Chicago, Illinois. The organization serves under-resourced elementary and middle schools by providing essential school supplies, educational resources, clothing, and other materials to students and teachers in need. Operating from Bensenville, Illinois, the organization serves the Chicago area, parts of Wisconsin, Northwest Indiana, and is expanding support to include Florida.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$4.7M
+245.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.1M
-28.0% YoY
Grant Count
157
-25.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$7K
-2.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Enchanted Backpack operates under the belief that all children deserve the tools they need to learn and excel, and that all teachers deserve support and materials to make their classrooms exciting learning centers.
The organization administers its work through the Lavin Family Foundation, established over 50 years ago by the family that founded the Alberto Culver Company. The Foundation's historical focus on health care, education, and programs designed to better family life continues today under the banner of "Innovative Philanthropy at Work."
Primary program areas include:
Mobile Van Program: Acquires and delivers school supplies and school accessories based on feedback from school principals, administrators, and teachers. The program has expanded to include teacher appreciation initiatives and a "Pay It Forward" program that provides a second delivery of supplies and cash grants to create or enhance kindness programs at selected schools.
Washer Dryer Program: Provides washing machines, dryers, and related supplies to schools to enhance students' self-esteem and attendance.
Adopt a School Program: Partners with selected school teachers to provide ongoing support.
Grantmaking
1. In-Kind Donation of Clothing and Home Goods: $6,326 average, 162 recipients (last awarded 2023)
Grant Range
$36 - $56,930
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
- Northern Illinois
- Northwest Indiana
- Chicago area
- Parts of Wisconsin
- Florida (expanding)
Recent school visits documented in Northwest Indiana include Merrillville, Gary, Griffith, Hammond, East Chicago, and Michigan City.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
2023 Financial Data
- Total assets: $1,346,080
- Total revenue: $2,198,008
- Total expenses: $2,758,638
- Total giving: $2,494,715
2024 Financial Data
- Total assets: $4,654,987
- Total revenues: $5,580,977
- Total expenses: $2,308,892
- Number of employees: 4
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $4,654,987 | $1,346,080 | $1,887,416 |
| Revenue | $5,580,977 | $2,198,008 | $2,785,211 |
| Expenses | $2,308,892 | $2,758,638 | $2,329,823 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $5,068,615 | $2,494,715 | $2,157,103 |
| Net Investment Income | $6,762 | — | — |
| 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
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Help Agency of the Forest Inc Sozo Kids ($41,221), Fill a Heart 4 Kids ($23,687), College of Lake County ($19,610).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| A SAFE HAVEN CHICAGO, IL | IN-KIND DONATION OF CLOTHING AND HOME GOODS | $8,186 |
| A SAFE PLACE ZION, IL | IN-KIND DONATION OF CLOTHING AND HOME GOODS | $5,766 |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS WASHINGTON, DC | IN-KIND DONATION OF CLOTHING AND HOME GOODS | $12,353 |
| ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO CHICAGO, IL | IN-KIND DONATION OF CLOTHING AND HOME GOODS | $11,708 |
| BECKY FURNISH FOUNDATION GENEVA, IL | IN-KIND DONATION OF CLOTHING AND HOME GOODS | $1,175 |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB CHICAGO, IL | IN-KIND DONATION OF CLOTHING AND HOME GOODS | $1,203 |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB - JAMES JORDAN CENTER CHICAGO, IL | IN-KIND DONATION OF CLOTHING AND HOME GOODS | $5,339 |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER NORTHWEST INDIANA PORTAGE, IN | IN-KIND DONATION OF CLOTHING AND HOME GOODS | $5,766 |
| BRIGHT STAR CHICAGO, IL | IN-KIND DONATION OF CLOTHING AND HOME GOODS | $4,197 |
| BRIGHTPOINT CHICAGO, IL | IN-KIND DONATION OF CLOTHING AND HOME GOODS | $3,307 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Carol L Bernick — President/Director (2 hrs/week)
- Elizabeth Bernick Huber — Vice-President/Director (2 hrs/week)
- Craig Bernick — Director (1 hr/week)
- Daniel Huber — Director (1 hr/week)
- Patrick Moore — Treasurer/Director (1 hr/week)
- Barbara Bernick — Secretary/Director (1 hr/week)
- Lindsey Bernick — Director
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAROL L BERNICK | PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| ELIZABETH BERNICK HUBER | VICE-PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| CRAIG BERNICK | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DANIEL HUBER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| PATRICK MOORE | TREASURER/DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| BARBARA BERNICK | SECRETARY/DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| LINDSEY BERNICK | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
In January 2026, Enchanted Backpack made its first visit to Bailey Elementary School in Lake Station, Indiana, delivering boxes of school supplies, books, games, and clothing to students.
\u2018Enchanted Backpack\u2019: Helping Chicago-Area Schools That Lack Resources\In December 2023, Enchanted Backpack partnered with the Chicago Hounds Major League Rugby team to deliver school supplies and educational resources to 700 students at John C. Dore Elementary School in Chicago. The collaboration included Chicago Hounds players, coaches, and staff engaging with students in sports-related activities and offering encouragement and motivation.
\u2018Enchanted Backpack\u2019: Helping Chicago-Area Schools That Lack Resources\The organization is part of the Lavin Family Foundation's broader philanthropic portfolio, which also includes the CAST Water Safety Foundation and CC's Wish List. The Foundation launched "Feed It Forward," a $3.5 million initiative at the onset of the COVID pandemic that partnered nonprofits with local restaurants to feed those in need while supporting neighborhood businesses.
Backpacks for Kids awarded $25,000 grant from San Diego Foundation\u2019\Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Enchanted Backpack fund?
Enchanted Backpack operates under the belief that all children deserve the tools they need to learn and excel, and that all teachers deserve support and materials to make their classrooms exciting learning centers. The organization administers its work through the Lavin Family Foundation, established over 50 years ago by the family that founded the Alberto Culver Company. The Foundation's historical focus on health care, education, and programs designed to better family life continues today und…
How do I apply for a grant from Enchanted Backpack?
**Grant Statistics (Most Recent Data)** • Total giving: $2,494,715 • Grants awarded: 352 • Median grant amount: $5,694 • Grant range: $36 - $56,930 • Giving rate: 154.3% **Grant Programs** 1. In-Kind Donation of Clothing and Home Goods: $6,326 average, 162 recipients (last awarded 2023) 2. Donation of School Supplies & Educational Items: $7,583 average, 148 recipients (last awarded 2023) 3. Donation of Supplies and Educational Items: $1,867 average, 31 recipients (last awarded 2023) 4. Donation…
Where does Enchanted Backpack make grants?
• Northern Illinois • Northwest Indiana • Chicago area • Parts of Wisconsin • Florida (expanding) Recent school visits documented in Northwest Indiana include Merrillville, Gary, Griffith, Hammond, East Chicago, and Michigan City.
What size grants does Enchanted Backpack award?
In 2024, Enchanted Backpack awarded 157 grants totaling $1.1M — an average of about $7K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Enchanted Backpack's EIN?
Enchanted Backpack's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-4035984. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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