The Leon Levine Foundation Grant Program

The Leon Levine Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Charlotte, North Carolina, dedicated to strengthening communities in the Carolinas. Its funding strategy is guided by the values of its founder and emphasizes supporting organizations that promote education, health, human services, and Jewish values. The Foundation invests in nonprofit organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, sustainability, and measurable impact, while focusing on initiatives that empower individuals and families to improve their lives through education, hard work, and self-determination. The purpose of the Foundation’s grantmaking is to serve as a catalytic partner for organizations that align with its mission. Funding is provided to nonprofits that have proven track records of success and the capacity to deliver meaningful and repeatable outcomes. The Foundation aims to amplify impact by directing its resources to organizations that are already effective, rather than those in financial distress, and it uses its grants to leverage and extend the success of these organizations. In keeping with its guiding principle of “polishing the stone,” the Foundation makes selective investments in existing efforts, strengthening their capacity and sharpening their performance instead of shifting to new or untested models. Eligibility for funding is limited to organizations classified as 501(c)(3) public charities. Applicants must either be located in the Carolinas or serve populations that benefit residents of the Carolinas. In addition, eligible applicants are required to sustain contributed revenue from non-government sources above $500,000 annually. The Foundation also requires all grantees to foster environments free from harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on legally protected statuses, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws. The application process involves a written grant submission followed by site visits, during which the Foundation engages directly with leadership teams to assess organizational capacity and alignment. Key evaluation criteria include the strength and effectiveness of leadership, the track record of measurable quantitative and qualitative impact, fiscal sustainability, and the ability to mitigate foreseeable risks. Organizations must demonstrate sufficient and diversified resources, as well as clear evidence of past success, in order to be competitive for funding. The Foundation does not publish specific funding ceilings or floors, nor does it disclose the number of awards or total program funding. Grants are not available to organizations seeking rescue from financial distress. Instead, they are directed to sustainable nonprofits with demonstrated success and strong community relevance. No explicit requirement for matching funds is noted in the eligibility information, and the Foundation encourages applicants to carefully review its mission alignment prior to submission. All applications are processed through the Foundation’s grant portal, accessible via its website. While deadlines are not explicitly stated, the Foundation accepts applications on a cycle determined by its internal review process, with follow-up and review conducted through direct communication. For inquiries or further details, applicants may contact the Leon Levine Foundation at its Charlotte office located at 4600 Park Rd., Suite 500, Charlotte, NC 28209. Phone numbers and email addresses are not provided in the source, so applicants are directed to use the website’s contact form for outreach. This structure reflects the Foundation’s selective and relationship-based approach to philanthropy, emphasizing both strategic funding and long-term impact.