Charitable Giving

Charitable Giving

We know that civic and nonprofit commitments are significant to our clients, their attorneys and for our community. While it is not possible to be responsive to all the individual passions and great work underway, we believe it is important to do more than just what is expected of us. While we continue to respond to the needs and interests of clients, LP established a formal grantmaking program. As with all our work, our Corporate Contributions Guidelines are based on the belief that LP’s accomplishments are routed in accountability and, in supporting the innovation and leadership underway at nonprofit organizations, we extend our ability to make a difference into the community.

Charitable Giving News

 Levenfeld Pearlstein announces $60,000 in Grants - Grantmaking is a key component of the firm's year-round commitment to give back to the community

Levenfeld Pearlstein Launches Corporate Contributions Program, Announces More Than $60,000 In Grants - Program formalizes firm's year-round commitment to giving back to the community

Corporate Contributions

Guidelines
At Levenfeld Pearlstein, we know that leadership, passion, creativity and focus can make the difference between success and failure. We also know that challenging convention requires commitment. The combination of endurance, efficiency, balance and resourcefulness is what often makes the difference. The Firm supports organizations that incorporate best practices into their work and continuously seek to identify solutions that provide meaningful opportunities to make a difference. In particular, we look for organizations committed to their employees and stakeholders that demonstrate accountability and seek to:

• Challenge Convention
• Drive for Efficiency
• Innovate

Areas of Interest
Levenfeld Pearlstein supports effective organizations that incubate ideas, revitalize communities and reform the systems that affect the lives, well-being and economic opportunity of our community. In the Chicago Metropolitan Region, we fund programs and organizations that:

• Enhance Access to Capital
• Increase Effectiveness through Strategic Innovation
• Use Market Forces to Support Social Change

Types of Grants
Levenfeld Pearlstein believes that organizations need the flexibility to do what they do best. To bring greater impact to the Firm’s funding, we may identify special issue areas or populations that are the focus of grantmaking on an annual basis. Most support is given on a 12-month basis although we may consider requests for multi-year support in close consultation with prospective grantees when success may be significantly enhanced by a two-year commitment of support. The Firm’s grants are typically $30,000.

When you’re resourceful, passionate and focused on performance and results, you need funding that enhances your ability to achieve. As such, Levenfeld Pearlstein will provide the following type of grants:

• General Operating
• Seed Capital
• Capacity Building
• Project or Program

Levenfeld Pearlstein does not fund the following:

• Fundraising Events
• Political Campaigns
• Grants to Individuals
• Debt Reduction
• Government Agencies
• Programs Promoting Religious Activities
• Capital Fund Drives
• Endowments
• Outside Metropolitan Chicago

How to Apply
Levenfeld Pearlstein only accepts invited proposals and, generally, makes grants once a year during the fall. However, because we share the values of creativity and inspiration that make ideas a reality, on a rolling basis, we will accept brief letters of inquiry. LOI’s should be no longer than two pages and include a brief description of the organization’s mission and priorities, a narrative description of the request, an analysis of how the strategy would be compelling to Levenfeld Pearlstein and a projected budget. LOI’s are reviewed regularly to determine if a full proposal will be invited.

When a full proposal is invited, applicants will be asked to submit a request for funding that includes an application cover sheet, organizational background, request information and several attachments. While the Firm appreciates the time and energy that is required for an effective proposal and, Levenfeld Pearlstein also knows that it is important for an organization to communicate the essential elements of the request. However, we also believe that it is important to provide a clear, concise and compelling case and ask that proposals are no more than ten pages, plus attachments.

All invited proposals must include:

1) Application Cover Sheet

2) Organizational Background

• History, Major Accomplishments and Recent Achievements
• Mission and Strategies for Achieving Organizational Goals
• Operational and Strategic Planning for Long-term Impact
• Governance Structure and Role of Board and Key Leadership
• Populations Served and/or Main Constituencies
• How Organization Collaborates, Undertakes Continuous Learning and Evaluates its Effectiveness
• How Organization Works with Volunteers and Opportunities Available to Participate in the Programs or Services Offered

3) Request

• Indicate the Type of Grant for which Funds are Being Sought
• Describe the Purpose of the Request and Use of Funds
• Explain the Significance of the Activity for which Funding is Sought
• Define Outcomes and Measures of Success
• Indicate the Timeframe in which Activities will Take Place
• Describe Strategies for Sustainability, Implementation and Management
• List the Personnel Responsible and their Qualifications

4) Required Attachments

• Audited Financial Statements for Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year
• Full Organization Budget and Project Budget, if Applicable
• List of Funders, Including Amounts Received and Requests Pending for Current Fiscal Year
• List of Other Funding Sources for this Request, if Applicable
• Copy of 501(C)(3) or Fiscal Agent Letter, if Applicable
• Letter of Agreement from Fiscal Agent, if Applicable
• Board of Directors with Affiliations and Demographic Information
• Copy of Annual Report or Other Communication Materials, if Available

Evaluation Criteria
Levenfeld Pearlstein seeks proposals that show clear evidence of organizational support and ability to achieve stated results. We also reflect transparency in our decision-making and will evaluate proposals based on the following criteria:

• Alignment with Levenfeld Pearlstein Philanthropic Mission and Priorities
• Strong Management and Organizational Leadership
• History of Goal Setting, Sound Financial Management and Effectiveness
• Evidence that Organization and Programs Meet an Important Community Need and Serve Intended Populations
• Broad and Continuous Support from a Variety of Sources
• A Culture of Continuous Improvement that Reflects Mission and Values

Reporting
At Levenfeld Pearlstein, accountability is a priority. While the Firm understands that projects sometimes take unexpected turns, we also know that close attention to detail, flexibility, resourcefulness and focus achieve results. As milestones are reached in a program, we want to know what has been achieved. If serious challenges arise, we want to know how you solved them. Throughout the term of the grant, we will rely on you to provide brief updates and help identify opportunities to strengthen our relationship.

At the end of the grant term, the Firm requires a formal report reviewing the challenges, impact, effectives, learning and outcomes of the grant along with an accounting of all funds. This should be no longer than three to five pages. In the case of multi-year commitments, this grant report will be required prior to distribution of the next round of funding. All multi-year grants are contingent on meeting previously identified goals and objectives.

Contact:

Executive Director
Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC
2 N. LaSalle, Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60602
executivedirector@lplegal.com