Enchanted Backpack
Enchanted Backpack is a Chicago-based charitable organization administered under the Lavin Family Foundation that supports under-resourced elementary and middle schools through programs like a Mobile Van, Teacher Appreciation, Washer/Dryer, and Adopt‑A‑School. The organization appears in nonprofit databases under EIN 81-4035984 and publishes application and program pages on its site.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A Chicagoland elementary or middle school or a school-focused nonprofit serving under-resourced PreK–8 students with demonstrated need for in-kind supplies or modest program support.
Good Fit
- • Located in the Chicago metro or Illinois and serving primarily PreK–8 students
- • At least about half of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (meets published eligibility)
- • Project involves in-kind distribution, school supplies, teacher support, or modest equipment like washers/dryers
- • Ability to work with a documented application form and to receive modest single-year support
Geography
Giving is heavily concentrated in Illinois (about 78% of dollars in the latest year) but the foundation also made grants across several other states (eight states observed), indicating a primarily state-focused footprint with some out-of-state activity.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded a large number of distinct recipients in the latest year (roughly 155 recipients and about 157 grants), with low dollar concentration (the top recipient was ~4% and the top five ~12%), consistent with a broad recipient set rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Direct behavioral evidence shows substantial turnover and entry (86 new recipients in the latest year and 139 new recipients the year before), and a public application form and contact route are available, making it plausible for unfamiliar applicants to be funded.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
