Denis Pierce

Denis Pierce spent his career as an attorney in Chicago, forming Pierce & Associates in 1975. After 41 years, P&A combined with McCalla Raymer, now known as McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, and Denis has since retired from the firm .

Denis and his wife, Martha, established the Pierce Family Charitable Foundation in December 2007, giving the first grant in early 2008. From its inception, the foundation championed the philosophy that philanthropy should focus on “the real costs” of nonprofits, through general operating grants and additional grants for capacity building needs that nonprofits face. During its 15 years, the Pierce Family Foundation, Denis and Martha, and PFF staff received 29 awards from nonprofits in recognition for this philosophy of support. PFF formally sunset as of December 31, 2023.

Denis continues to serve on the Board of Directors for All Chicago, Housing Opportunities for Women in Chicago, and Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities in Traverse City, MI. He remains a personal donor to many former PFF grantees in Chicago and environmental groups in Michigan.