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.

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 Kulbursh 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.”