Enchanted Backpack
Accepts applications
Enchanted Backpack is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $1.1 million in 157 grants; the typical grant was $4,995 and the largest $41,221. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$1.1 million
- Number of grants157
- Typical grant$4,995
- Largest grant$41,221
- Assets$4.7 million
- New grantees54%
Giving in 2024 was down from $1.5 million the year before.
54% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.5 million | 212 | $1.3 million |
| 2024 | $1.1 million | 157 | $4.7 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Jacob Mayer 155 N Wacker Drive Suite 1680, Chicago, IL 60606 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (312) 477-7603 |
| What to submit | Contact the foundation office for application requirements. |
| Deadlines | No submission deadlines. |
| Restrictions | Eligibility requirements are a minimum of 50% of the children need to be part of a free or reduced lunch program or an equivalent "in need" federal or state program and the school or organization must be focused on serving children in one or more grades from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade in the chicagoland area. Priority is given to schools. Additional criteria may be published from time to time. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Enchanted Backpack funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 127 | $823,300 |
| Florida | 14 | $110,602 |
| Indiana | 9 | $76,317 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $12,353 |
| Virginia | 1 | $11,042 |
| Louisiana | 1 | $7,633 |
| Wisconsin | 3 | $6,573 |
| Georgia | 1 | $3,606 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Help Agency of the Forest Inc Sozo Kids | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $41,221 |
| Wings | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $25,496 |
| Fill A Heart 4 Kids | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $23,687 |
| College of Lake County | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $19,610 |
| Chicago Hope Academy | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $19,525 |
| Scott Middle School | Adopt a school program grant recipient | $17,774 |
| Saint Sabina Catholic Church | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $14,381 |
| The Endeleo Institute Inc | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $13,142 |
| American Red Cross | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $12,353 |
| YMCA of Tampa | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $12,269 |
| Our Lady of the Angels | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $12,216 |
| Cics Longwood Elementary | Donation of school supplies & other educational items | $11,873 |
| Archdiocese of Chicago | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $11,708 |
| Perkins Bass Elementary | Donation of school supplies & other educational items | $11,497 |
| Joseph Brennemann Elementary School | Donation of school supplies & other educational items | $11,486 |
| Paul Revere Elementary School | Donation of school supplies & other educational items | $11,398 |
| Altus Academy | Adopt a school program grant recipient | $11,360 |
| One Family Illinois (Fka Sos Childrens Village of Il) | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $11,267 |
| Guiding Light of Hope | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $11,042 |
| The Salvation Army | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $11,042 |
| Village Elementary School | Donation of school supplies & other educational items | $10,864 |
| Paul Revere Primary School | Donation of school supplies & other educational items | $10,533 |
| Mercy Home for Boys & Girls | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $10,529 |
| Benjamin E Mays Academy | Donation of school supplies & other educational items | $10,327 |
| Washington Irving Elementary School | Donation of school supplies & other educational items | $10,216 |
| Higgins Community Academy | Donation of school supplies & other educational items | $10,208 |
| Crete Monee Middle School | Donation of school supplies & other educational items | $10,201 |
| Ruth and Norman Rales Family Services | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $10,193 |
| Heart 2 Heart | In-kind donation of clothing and home goods | $10,059 |
| Tarkington School of Excellence | Donation of school supplies & other educational items | $10,016 |
| Wauconda Grade School | Pay it forward program grant recipient | $10,003 |
| Howe School of Excellence | Pay it forward program grant recipient | $10,002 |
| Freedom Middle School | Pay it forward program grant recipient | $10,000 |
| San Miguel School | Pay it forward program grant recipient | $10,000 |
| St Malachy School | Pay it forward program grant recipient | $10,000 |
| Stanton Middle School | Pay it forward program grant recipient | $10,000 |
| Monarcas Academy | Pay it forward program grant recipient | $9,999 |
| Ridge Central Elementary | Pay it forward program grant recipient | $9,991 |
| William McKinley Elementary School | Pay it forward program grant recipient | $9,989 |
| Brodnicki Elementary | Pay it forward program grant recipient | $9,927 |
Officers and trustees
- Carol L Bernick
- Elizabeth Bernick Huber
- Craig Bernick
- Daniel Huber
- Patrick Moore
- Barbara Bernick
- Lindsey Bernick
Questions people ask
Does Enchanted Backpack accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: No submission deadlines.
How much does Enchanted Backpack give?
$1.1 million in tax year 2024, across 157 grants, with a typical grant of $4,995.
Who runs Enchanted Backpack?
Its 2024 filing lists Carol L Bernick (President/Director), Elizabeth Bernick Huber (Vice-President/Director), Craig Bernick (Director) and Daniel Huber (Director) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does Enchanted Backpack fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and human services.