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
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
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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
States
Cities
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
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 8 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
51 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Big Life Foundation ($250,000), Scottish Ballet ($155,916), Charities Aid Foundation America ($100,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CLASSICAL TAHOE INCLINE VILLAGE, NV | ONGOING PROGRAMMING | $50,000 |
| GOLDEN STATE BONSAI SACRAMENTO, CA | SECURITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT | $65,000 |
| AMAZON WATCH OAKLAND, CA | END AMAZON CRUDE | $50,000 |
| CHARITIES AID FOUNDATION AMERICA ALEXANDRIA, VA | MOON BEAR PROJECT AND PROTECTING ENDANGERED ELEPHANTS IN VIETNAM | $100,000 |
| UNITE THE PARKS MARIPOSA, CA | GENERAL PROGRAM SUPPORT | $50,000 |
| BIG LIFE FOUNDATION RIDGEFIELD, WA | CONSERVING WILDLIFE AND PRESERVING LAND | $250,000 |
| SCOTTISH BALLET | CREATING A NEW BALLET ON MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS | $155,916 |
| AMERICAN RIVERS WASHINGTON, DC | CALIFORNIA HEADWATERS SUPPORT | $50,000 |
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
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| NICHOLAS HINKELL | ASSISTANT DIRECTOR | 40 | $175,482 |
| CAMILLE BENTLY | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 20 | $175,139 |
| CHRISTOPHER BENTLY | PRESIDENT | 0.5 | — |
| JEFFREY JARBOE | TREASURER | 1.8 | — |
| KAREN CRAIG | SECRETARY/DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| YVETTE MARIE CONDE | ASSISTANT TREASURER | 1.2 | — |
| LORETTA CLARKE | DISCLAIMED FUND DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| JOE SILVESTRI | DISCLAIMED FUND DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| JENNIFER RAISER | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| ANDREW JOHNSTONE | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
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 ProjectThe 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bently Foundation fund?
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 a…
How do I apply for a grant from Bently Foundation?
**Grant Size Range**: Typical awards range from $4,000 to $250,000 **Recent Grant Activity**: The foundation made 19 grants in 2023, with a total giving amount of $770,916. **Sample Recent Grants (2023)**: • Auroville International USA: $10,000 (Sadhana Forest—Addressing Aridification and Food Insecurity in Rural South India) • Lewa Wildlife Conservancy USA: $5,760 (Support for Conservation Education Program Interns) • Alpine Watershed Group: $4,000 (2023 Creek Day Community Workday) **Notable …
Where does Bently Foundation make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations in California, Washington, and Virginia, though it supports organizations worldwide.
What size grants does Bently Foundation award?
In 2024, Bently Foundation awarded 8 grants totaling $771K — an average of about $96K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Bently Foundation's EIN?
Bently Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-3886828. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Bently Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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