SOURCE OF WEALTH: Polished Nickel Capital Management, Alberto-Culver Company
FUNDING AREAS: Education & Youth, Health, Chicago Community, Jewish Causes
OVERVIEW: Carol Bernick and family conduct their philanthropy through the Carol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation. According to available tax filings, the foundation awarded around $735,000 in grants in 2017. Bernick has supported her alma mater Tulane University. Most of the family’s giving centers around the Chicago area.
BACKGROUND: Carol Lavin Bernick graduated from Tulane University in 1974. She was executive chairman of Alberto-Culver Company, a $1.6 billion global manufacturer of consumer products, including TRESemme hair care products, until the company’s acquisition by Unilever in 2011. Bernick is now CEO of Polished Nickel Capital Management, a privately held company that manages diversified investments and owns operating companies in retail and professional sports.
ISSUES:
EDUCATION & YOUTH: Bernick is an emerita board member of Tulane University, with which she’s been heavily involved. The school is home to the Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life. Other grantees include Boys & Girls Club of Chicago, Success Preparatory Academy, St. Ignatius College Prep, Lewis University, Brother Rice High School, Teach for America, and Kellogg School of Management, which she has also steadily supported.
HEALTH: Bernick founded Friends of Prentice, a volunteer group of executives and professionals that has raised millions for Chicago’s Prentice Women’s Hospital of Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Other grantees include Alzheimer’s Association, Friends of Prentice, American Cancer Society, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, NCH Healthcare Foundation, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
CHICAGO COMMUNITY: Grantees include YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and Young at Heart Pet Rescue.
JEWISH CAUSES: Bernick also conducts philanthropy through the Carol Lavin Bernick Family Supporting Foundation, which aims “to foster, promote, support, develop, encourage, and maintain the broad charitable, educational, and/or religious purposes of The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.” Grantees have included Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago, and Oak Park Temple B’nai Abraham Zion.
LOOKING FORWARD: Expect Bernick to stick with her established interests. Her kids are on the foundation books and engaged in business, and should be watched for their influence on her giving.
CONTACT:
Carol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation
155 N. Wacker, No 1680
Chicago, IL 60606
Carol Lavin Bernick Family Supporting Foundation
30 South Wells Street, No 4049
Chicago, IL 60606
