The Leon Levine Foundation invests in South Carolina for the first time
July 5, 2018
The Leon Levine Foundation (TLLF), a private foundation based in Charlotte North Carolina, is making a significant investment in South Carolina for the first time in its 37-year history. TLLF has awarded a total of $475,000 in grants to 12 local organizations whose mission areas span from healthcare and education to Jewish values and human services.
TLLF’s Executive Director, Tom Lawrence, commented: “We’re thrilled to establish new partnerships in and around Columbia, South Carolina. We’re especially grateful for the ability to get to know and learn from peers at Central Carolina Community Foundation, who provided valuable insight as we researched the region.”
He went on to note that “Our staff was especially impressed by Columbia’s collaborative spirit. We were encouraged to see organizations working closely together to address issues like healthcare access, homelessness, care for seniors, and care for youth. We’re proud to support a community that provides such a complete continuum of care while simultaneously avoiding duplication of services.”
Central Carolina Community Foundation also introduced Larry Polsky, Senior Advisor and Director, to a number of local philanthropists so that he could learn their perspectives about specific organizations and why they invested in those organizations. Central Carolina Community Foundation trustee board member and local philanthropist, David Kulbersh, remarked, “It was an honor and a pleasure to meet with Larry. My wife Jane and I shared our knowledge of the work being done throughout Columbia and our experiences working with a number of organizations that are making a difference. We are pleased to see the Leon Levine Foundation’s interest in and support of our community.”
“Our mission is to promote and facilitate philanthropy in our community. We were honored to be a part of the early conversations The Levine Foundation was having in Columbia,” said JoAnn Turnquist, President & CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation. “We are very grateful for their philanthropic investments that will benefit the residents of our community.”
About The Leon Levine Foundation
Started by Leon Levine, the creator of the first Family Dollar Store in Charlotte, N.C., in 1980, The Leon Levine Foundation’s mission is to improve the human condition by creating permanent, measurable and life-changing impact throughout the Carolinas. The organization invests in nonprofits with strong leadership, a successful track record and a focus on sustainability in the areas of healthcare, education, Jewish values and human services. For more information about the Foundation, visit http://www.leonlevinefoundation.org/
About Central Carolina Community Foundation
Central Carolina Community Foundation – the Midlands’ expert on philanthropy – is a nonprofit organization serving 11 counties in the Midlands by distributing grants and scholarships and linking the resources of donors, nonprofits and area leaders to communities in need. Major initiatives include the Midlands Gives 24-hour giving challenge, Connected Communities grants, the One SC Fund, the Best of Philanthropy Awards, annual scholarships and more. For more information about the Foundation, visit http://www.yourfoundation.org or call 803.254.5601.
