The Bentson Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1956 by Larry and Nancy Bentson. Based in Wayzata, Minnesota, the foundation supports a diverse array of charitable causes with a focus on arts & humanities, public health, and higher education. The foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) organization and is classified as a private foundation under IRS regulations.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$7.5M
+65.3% YoY
Grant Count
43
-10.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$174K
+84.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission reflects the Bentsons' lifelong commitment to philanthropy. As stated by Larry Bentson: "Out of genuine gratitude and a sincere desire to share our blessings, philanthropy has been a core value for us throughout our lives."
Primary funding areas include:
- Arts & Humanities
- Public Health
- Higher Education
The foundation emphasizes supporting causes aligned with the Bentsons' values of compassion, quiet generosity, and commitment to faith.
Grantmaking
The Bentson Foundation does not consider unsolicited requests for support.
Grant Range
$5,000 to $2,500,000
Average Grant
Approximately $174,000
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Primary geographic focus areas:
- Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
- Santa Barbara, California
The foundation also has documented giving in Michigan.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total assets: $111,976,561
- Total revenue: $13,330,219
- Total expenses: $8,808,530
- Net income: $4,521,689
- Total liabilities: $0
- Giving rate: 6.7% of assets
Historical Assets:
- 2024: $112.0 million
- 2023: $107.6 million
- 2022: $107.7 million
Tax-exempt Status: Tax-exempt since March 1958. Donations are tax-deductible.
| 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 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
241 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Allina Health ($2,500,000), U of M - Community-university Health Care Center ($1,000,000), Prodeo Academy ($515,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ALLINA HEALTH MINNEAPOLIS, MN | GENERAL | $2,500,000 |
| ALPENA COMMUNITY COLLEGE ALPENA, MI | GENERAL | $10,000 |
| ANISHINABE LEGAL SERVICES CASS LAKE, MN | GENERAL | $30,000 |
| AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY SIOUX FALLS, SD | GENERAL | $35,000 |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES MINNEAPOLIS, MN | GENERAL | $10,000 |
| CHILDREN'S MINNESOTA ST PAUL, MN | GENERAL | $500,000 |
| DULUTH REGIONAL CARE CENTER DULUTH, MN | GENERAL | $25,000 |
| FOODBANK OF SB COUNTY GOLETA, CA | GENERAL | $7,500 |
| FRIENDS OF EDUCATION MINNEAPOLIS, MN | GENERAL | $35,000 |
| GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVANCY SAN FRANCISCO, CA | GENERAL | $10,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Key Personnel:
- Larry Bentson - Founder; former CEO of MidContinent Media; inducted into the Museum of Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2001
- Nancy Bentson - Co-founder
- J. Dutcher - Contact person (jdutcher@bentsonfoundation.org)
The foundation operates with minimal staff (1 employee as of 2024).
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAURIE BENTSON KAUTH | PRESIDENT | — | — |
| MARK S NIBLICK | TREASURER | — | — |
| STEVE GROSSER | ASSISTANT TREASURER | — | — |
| GEORGE REILLY | SECRETARY | — | — |
| KIMBERLY BENTSON KAUTH | VICE PRESIDENT | — | — |
| LOWELL STORTZ | BOARD MEMBER | — | — |
| JUDI DUTCHER | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | 40 | $405,901 |
| DARIN OPPERMAN | BOARD MEMBER | 8 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has announced significant recent commitments:
**Infectious Disease Prevention:** $1.5 million gift to the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), led by Dr. Michael T. Osterholm, supporting global leadership in public health preparedness and emerging infectious disease response.
**University of Minnesota CIDRAP Information Hub:** Recent donation to support the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health initiative.
University of Minnesota receives gift for CIDRAP Information Hub - School**Scholarship Support:** Landmark scholarship support gift announced at the University of Minnesota, continuing the foundation's long-standing commitment to higher education.
Contact Information
Address: 315 Lake Street East, Suite #302 Wayzata, MN 55391
Phone: 952-923-1040
Email: jdutcher@bentsonfoundation.org
Website: www.bentsonfoundation.org
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bentson Foundation fund?
The foundation's mission reflects the Bentsons' lifelong commitment to philanthropy. As stated by Larry Bentson: "Out of genuine gratitude and a sincere desire to share our blessings, philanthropy has been a core value for us throughout our lives." Primary funding areas include: • **Arts & Humanities** • **Public Health** • **Higher Education** The foundation emphasizes supporting causes aligned with the Bentsons' values of compassion, quiet generosity, and commitment to faith.
How do I apply for a grant from Bentson Foundation?
**Grant Activity (2024):** • Total giving: $7,479,598 • Number of grants: 43 • Grant range: $5,000 to $2,500,000 • Median grant: $25,000 • Average grant: Approximately $174,000 **Recent Notable Grants:** • Allina Health: $2,500,000 (2024) • Prodeo Academy: $515,000 (2024) • Missing Children Minnesota: $500,000 (2024) • Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy: $1,500,000 (for infectious disease prevention) • Walker Art Center: $1,000,000 (for enhancement and preservation of the Ruben/B…
Where does Bentson Foundation make grants?
Primary geographic focus areas: • Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota • Santa Barbara, California The foundation also has documented giving in Michigan.
What size grants does Bentson Foundation award?
In 2024, Bentson Foundation awarded 43 grants totaling $7.5M — an average of about $174K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Bentson Foundation's EIN?
Bentson Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-6020204. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Bentson 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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