Enchanted Backpack

Enchanted Backpack is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides school supplies, teacher support, and in-kind goods to under-resourced elementary and middle schools across Northern Illinois, Northwest Indiana, and (expanding) Florida. The organization was founded by Carol L. Bernick—daughter of Bernice and Leonard Lavin, founders of Alberto-Culver Company—and is governed by the Bernick family, including Craig Bernick, Barbara Bernick, Elizabeth Bernick Huber, and Lindsey Bernick. The organization's operating strategy centers on direct service delivery via a Mobile Van Program, which uses surveys and focus groups with school principals, teachers, and administrators to identify supplies needed. Enchanted Backpack is not a traditional grantmaker: it primarily provides in-kind goods and direct programs rather than cash grants, with one exception—the Adopt-A-School Program provides up to $20,000 in cash grants per school for larger capital needs (playground equipment, technology upgrades, enhanced reading centers). The organization operates from 155 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 1680, Chicago, IL, and has a full-time staff including two Co-Directors (Joseph Froelich and David Hardin) and warehouse operations staff. Eligibility is limited to schools serving PreK–8th grade with at least 50% of students qualifying for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program.

Enchanted Backpack had an exceptional FY2024, receiving $5.58M in revenue—nearly triple its FY2023 revenue of $2.2M—of which 98.7% ($5.5M) came from contributions. This dramatic jump suggests a major gift or endowment contribution from the Bernick family or another major donor in 2024. Total assets grew from $1.35M (FY2023) to $4.65M (FY2024) as a result. Program expenses in FY2024 totaled approximately $2.01M in charitable disbursements, distributed across three main programs: the Mobile Van/Teacher programs ($934,347), CC Wish List in-kind goods ($509,621), and Adopt-A-School grants ($130,719). The Adopt-A-School Program is the only cash grant mechanism, capped at $20,000 per selected school per year. Annual charitable disbursements have historically ranged from $1.5M to $2.5M, supporting dozens of schools across the Chicagoland region and Northwest Indiana.

Enchanted Backpack occupies a specific niche as a supply-and-program-focused education support nonprofit:

Enchanted Backpack is distinguished from purely supply-focused organizations by its school-level partnership model (Adopt-A-School), its Washer/Dryer Program targeting attendance barriers, and its CC Wish List in-kind goods distribution to broader community nonprofits. Compared to DonorsChoose, Enchanted Backpack provides more institutional support (mobile delivery, washer/dryer installation) rather than teacher-initiated crowdfunding.

In FY2024, Enchanted Backpack received a major influx of contributions ($5.5M—likely a transformative gift from the Bernick family), dramatically growing its asset base from $1.35M to $4.65M. This positions the organization for substantially expanded programming in 2025 and beyond. The organization has announced expansion into Florida, broadening its geographic reach beyond its traditional Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana base. Co-Director David Hardin joined the leadership team alongside Joseph Froelich (who was promoted from Director of Logistics). Jackson Chandler and Bogdan Cozac staff the warehouse operations. The organization filed its FY2024 990-PF on November 11, 2025. The website highlights recent deliveries to Chicagoland schools and a Florida rollout, along with volunteer and "Gather As You Go" donation programs.

Enchanted Backpack has an open application process for qualifying schools. To apply: (1) Your school must serve PK–8th grade students; (2) At least 50% of your student population must be eligible for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program; (3) Download the application form from enchantedbackpack.org/apply; (4) Complete the form and email it to jfroelich@enchantedbackpack.org. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and awarded based on time, availability, and demonstrated need. Mobile Van deliveries are made throughout the school year, so applying early in the fall maximizes your chances of receiving a delivery that school year. For the Adopt-A-School Program (up to $20,000 per school for capital improvements like playground equipment, reading centers, or technology), be specific in your application about what the funds would accomplish and how it connects to student outcomes. If you are a community nonprofit (not a school) interested in the CC Wish List in-kind goods program, reach out directly via the contact form on the website or call 312-477-7603.