Bently Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation based in Minden, Nevada. Founded in 2012 by Christopher Bently with founding Director Camille Bently, the foundation supports organizations worldwide in three core areas: the environment, the arts, and animal welfare. The foundation operates as an eco-friendly organization, reflecting its strong commitment to sustainability in its operations.

Financial Overview

From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing

Total Assets

Annual Giving

$771K

+284.2% YoY

Grant Count

8

+60.0% YoY

Avg Grant Size

$96K

+140.1% YoY

Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated April 2026.

Mission & Focus Areas

The foundation aims to give high-impact, project-related grants that make a meaningful difference for organizations in need and the communities they serve.

Primary funding areas:

  • Environment: Preserving animal habitats, oceans, and natural resources; promoting eco-awareness and sustainable living practices
  • Animal Welfare: Protecting wild animal habitats, endangered species, and abused or neglected animals
  • Arts: Promoting, curating, and preserving new artists, performance artists, installations, music, and social awareness, with particular inspiration from the Bay Area arts scene

Grantmaking

Grant Range

Range**: Typical awards range from $4,000 to $250,000

Ready to take the next step with Bently Foundation?

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

The foundation primarily funds organizations in California, Washington, and Virginia, though it supports organizations worldwide.

Grant Distribution by State

13states
+5 more states

Cities

ALBUQUERQUEALEXANDRIAAUSTINBERKELEYBOULDERDAVISINCLINE VILLAGELONG BEACHLOS ANGELESMARIPOSAMARKLEEVILLEMONTGOMERYNEW CANAANNEW YORKOAKLANDPORTLANDRIDGEFIELDSACRAMENTOSAN FRANCISCOSOUTH LAKE TAHOE

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

As of 2023:

  • Total Assets: $35.9 million
  • Total Revenues: $1.13 million
  • Total Expenses: $808,000
  • Total Liabilities: $53,500

As of 2024:

  • Total Assets: $39.37 million
  • Total Giving: $770,916
Revenue
Expenses
Qualifying Distributions
Net Investment Income
$0$0.275$0.55$0.8250000000000001$1.120202021202220232024
Metric202420232022
Total Assets
Revenue
Expenses
Qualifying Distributions
Net Investment Income
Distributable Amount

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

$0$873K$2M$3M$3M19 grants202012 grants20217 grants20225 grants20238 grants2024

Grant Insights

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 8 recipients in 2024

BIG LIFE FOUNDATION$250KSCOTTISH BALLET$156KCHARITIES AID FOUNDATION…$100KGOLDEN STATE BONSAI$65KCLASSICAL TAHOE$50KAMAZON WATCH$50KUNITE THE PARKS$50KAMERICAN RIVERS$50K

Grant Size Distribution

51 grants across all recorded years

5<$50K15$50–100K21$100–250K8$250–500K1$500K–1M1$1–5M$5M+

Giving History

Grant recipients and amounts by year

No grants recorded for .

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

  • Christopher P Bently: Founder and President
  • Camille Bently: Founding Director

The foundation is managed by a curated board of directors and operates with 2 employees.

Compensation Overview

From 2024 IRS filing

NICHOLAS HINKELLASSISTANT DIRECTOR$175KCAMILLE BENTLYEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR$175K

From 2024 filing

NameTitleHoursCompensation
NICHOLAS HINKELLASSISTANT DIRECTOR40$175,482
CAMILLE BENTLYEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR20$175,139
CHRISTOPHER BENTLYPRESIDENT0.5
JEFFREY JARBOETREASURER1.8
KAREN CRAIGSECRETARY/DIRECTOR0.3
YVETTE MARIE CONDEASSISTANT TREASURER1.2
LORETTA CLARKEDISCLAIMED FUND DIRECTOR0.5
JOE SILVESTRIDISCLAIMED FUND DIRECTOR0.5
JENNIFER RAISERDIRECTOR0.5
ANDREW JOHNSTONEDIRECTOR0.5

Recent News & Activity

Recent developments and announcements

The Bently Foundation partnered with MH Buckeye to launch a $500,000 matching grant for Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care

Foundation for America\u2019s Public Lands Announces 20 New Grants That\

The foundation has supported the Mara Elephant Project's ranger programs

The Bently Foundation Supports MEP Rangers - Mara Elephant Project

The foundation was recognized as a grant provider by the Foundation for America's Public Lands for advancing restoration and recreation access on BLM lands

Foundation for America\u2019s Public Lands Announces 20 New Grants That\

Contact Information

Address: 1597 Esmeralda Avenue, Minden, NV 89423-4001

Phone: 775-790-5950

Website: bentlyfoundation.org

Subject Areas

Focus areas based on grantmaking activity

Related Funders

Similar funders by location and focus area

Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.

What could you do with Bently Foundation on Grantable?

  • Assess strategic fit with your organization
  • Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
  • Find open RFPs from this funder
  • Monitor for new funding opportunities