Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation
The Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation is a private foundation based in New York, NY. In 2024, it awarded 146 grants totaling $3,608,578 to organizations including conservation, education, arts, and research groups.
Key facts about Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation
In short: Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation gave $3.6M across 146 grants in 2024 (avg $25K), top state New York. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 13-3267113
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $3,608,578
- Grants made (2024)
- 146
- Average grant
- $24,716
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $28,858,338
- Primary geography
- New York (46% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The foundation states that it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- None.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$28.9M
-6.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$3.6M
-6.4% YoY
Grant Count
146
+14500.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$25K
-99.4% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation reported a distributable amount of $2.3M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation gives
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−8%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 158% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The available information does not state a mission for the foundation. Its 2024 grantees illustrate a range of supported work. The Amazon Conservation Team describes its mission as partnering with Indigenous and other local communities to protect tropical forests and strengthen traditional culture. Inner-City Scholarship says it grants scholarships for children to attend private schools, while the Violence Policy Center describes its work as educational and research activity on firearms violence. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts says it works to sustain, encourage, and promote the performing arts and educate the public. Other 2024 recipients included voter-access, environmental-law, and Jewish education organizations.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 146 grants totaling $3,608,578. Grants ranged from $50 to $204,500, with a median of $10,000. The largest listed awards included $204,500 to Grateful Film Fund, $200,000 to Amazon Conservation Team, $160,000 to Inner-City Scholarship, $150,000 to Reed College, and $110,000 to Broad Stage. These grants were listed for general support.
Review Cycle
** None.
Ready to take the next step with Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 46% of grant dollars went to recipients in New York, 24% to California, 7% each to Virginia and Washington, DC, and 4% to Oregon.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 146 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
States
Cities
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
150 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| GRATEFUL FILM FUND Studio City, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $204,500 |
| AMAZON CONSERVATION TEAM Falls Church, VA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $200,000 |
| INNER-CITY SCHOLARSHIP New York, NY | GENERAL SUPPORT | $160,000 |
| REED COLLEGE Portland, OR | GENERAL SUPPORT | $150,000 |
| BROAD STAGE Santa Monica, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $110,000 |
| UJA FEDERATION OF NY New York, NY | GENERAL SUPPORT | $102,500 |
| NEW YORK PRESBYTERIAN FUND INC New York, NY | GENERAL SUPPORT | $100,000 |
| TREE PEOPLE Beverly Hills, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $100,000 |
| VIOLENCE POLICY CENTER Washington, DC | GENERAL SUPPORT | $100,000 |
| LACMA Los Angeles, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $95,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $28,858,338 | $2,414,810 | $4,376,327 | $3,608,578 |
| 2023 | $30,850,855 | $4,095,986 | $4,509,913 | $3,856,350 |
| 2022 | $31,233,782 | $4,278,714 | $5,777,764 | $4,972,669 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $28,858,338 | $30,850,855 | $31,233,782 |
| Revenue | $2,414,810 | $4,095,986 | $4,278,714 |
| Expenses | $4,376,327 | $4,509,913 | $5,777,764 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $3,585,752 | $3,927,202 | $5,044,293 |
| Net Investment Income | $689,235 | $2,133,275 | $2,270,237 |
| Distributable Amount | $2,263,906 | $1,994,557 | $2,058,244 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Bruce W. Benenson, Frederick C. Benenson, and Lawrence B. Benenson as co-presidents; Richard Kessler as vice-president; and Frederick C. Benenson as treasurer and secretary.
Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation is led by Bruce W. Benenson, Co-President on every filing since 2020; none of the 4 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Bruce W. Benenson
Co-President
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Frederick C. Benenson
Co-President, Treasurer & Secretary
Co-President → Co-President, Treasurer & Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lawrence B. Benenson
Co-President
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Richard Kessler
Vice President
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: David Thomas (2021) — Treasurer & Secretary
- Former: Lawrence A. Sipkin (2020) — Treasurer & Secretary
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Application contact: Bruce W Benenson
Mailing address: 155 E 44Th St 28Th Fl, New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 867-0990
Frequently asked questions about Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation
How much does Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation give each year?
Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation gave $3.6M across 146 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $3.9M across 1 grant.
What is Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation's typical grant size?
Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $24,716, across 146 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation give grants?
Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation's top state is New York, with 46% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were California (24%) and Virginia (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (57 grants), Santa Monica, CA (7 grants), Washington, DC (7 grants) and Los Angeles, CA (7 grants).
Does Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (146 of 146) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation's largest grantees?
Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Grateful Film Fund ($204,500), Amazon Conservation Team ($200,000) and Inner-City Scholarship ($160,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 16% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation?
Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation reported $28.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $3.6M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.3M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation fund?
The available information does not state a mission for the foundation. Its 2024 grantees illustrate a range of supported work. The Amazon Conservation Team describes its mission as partnering with Indigenous and other local communities to protect tropical forests and strengthen traditional culture. Inner-City Scholarship says it grants scholarships for children to attend private schools, while the Violence Policy Center describes its work as educational and research activity on firearms violenc…
How do I apply for a grant from Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation?
The foundation states that it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation's EIN?
Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-3267113. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The New York Community Trust
New York, NY
The New York Community Trust funds projects in areas including arts, education, health, human services, community development, and the environment, primarily in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, with some opportunities elsewhere. Its 2024 median grant was $20,000, though awards varied widely. It accepts applications through its open competitive grants program and selected RFPs or letters of interest; donor-advised funds do not accept proposals.
Assets
$3.5B
Grants
2,748
Total Given
$193.8M
The Ford Foundation
New York, NY
The Ford Foundation funds organizations, individuals, and ideas working to reduce inequality and advance social justice, including work in areas such as immigrant justice, criminal justice reform, gender equity, and arts and culture, through grants around the world. Its 2024 grants had a median of $100,000, with amounts ranging from $45 to $15 million; it does not accept unsolicited requests by mail, email, or phone.
Assets
$17.5B
Grants
4,007
Total Given
$844.7M
The Ojc Fund
Brooklyn, NY
The OJC Fund distributes donor-advised grants to a wide range of charitable, religious, and educational organizations, with most 2025 funding going to New York and some to New Jersey. Its 2025 grants had a median of $31,014 and ranged from $5,001 to about $10.7 million. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$58.5M
Grants
3,714
Total Given
$448.3M
The Simons Foundation Inc
New York, NY
The Simons Foundation funds research in mathematics and the basic sciences, as well as autism and other disease research, through grants to research centers, universities, and related organizations. In 2024, grants ranged from $1,480 to $20 million, with a median of $72,000; funding is concentrated in New York, California, and Massachusetts, with awards also made elsewhere in the U.S. and internationally. Whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$4.5B
Grants
1,727
Total Given
$272.0M
American Express Foundation
New York, NY
American Express Foundation supports nonprofits working on small-business recovery, disaster relief, education and workforce development, leadership, and community needs, with grants to organizations in the U.S. and internationally. Giving varies widely: 2024 grants ranged from $1 to $3.45 million, with a median of $40. The filing lists application materials but does not say whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$48.9M
Grants
1,495
Total Given
$23.2M
Equitable Foundation Inc
New York, NY
Equitable Foundation funds scholarships for students pursuing postsecondary education, along with nonprofit work in education, youth, community programs, and relief. Its 2024 grants ranged from $30 to $1.75 million, with a median of $500; giving was concentrated in Minnesota, North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and New York, while scholarships support students nationwide. The profile describes an application process for its scholarship program but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited nonprofit requests.
Assets
$112.4M
Grants
1,453
Total Given
$5.5M
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Inc
New York, NY
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors supports a broad range of charitable work, including environment, food and agriculture, education, youth, human services, and arts and culture, through donor-directed funds and sponsored projects. In 2024, its median grant was $100,000, with awards ranging from $625 to $9.2 million; grants went mainly to organizations in New York, Washington, DC, and California, as well as elsewhere in the U.S. and overseas. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$891.5M
Grants
1,153
Total Given
$275.0M
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
New York, NY
Local Initiatives Support Corporation funds affordable housing, economic development, education, health, child care, small businesses and other community initiatives, often through grants, loans and equity. Its 2024 grants had a median of $40,000, with awards ranging from $5,189 to $4.7 million, and its work spans communities across all 50 states. It offers specific grant opportunities, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
$1.6B
Grants
1,119
Total Given
$102.8M
Wellspring Philanthropic Fund Inc
New York, NY
Wellspring Philanthropic Fund supports climate and environmental work, human rights, civic engagement, Jewish causes, and some economic-opportunity initiatives, with grants reported across the U.S. and internationally. In 2024, its grants ranged from $500 to $9.75 million, with a median of $200,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$134.4M
Grants
1,101
Total Given
$326.0M
Jack Adjmi Family Foundation Inc
New York, NY
The foundation funds charitable, religious, and educational organizations, with grants largely supporting recipients in New York and New Jersey. In 2025, grants ranged from $52 to $515,550, with a median of $1,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$235K
Grants
1,045
Total Given
$4.5M
The Pfizer Foundation Inc
New York, NY
The Pfizer Foundation funds locally led health programs that improve access to care and strengthen health systems, as well as health-crisis and disaster responses, worldwide. In 2024, grants ranged from $2 to $4 million, with a median of $200. It supports only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$255.3M
Grants
9,306
Total Given
$23.2M
Jpmorgan Chase Foundation
New York, NY
JPMorgan Chase Foundation funds economic mobility and career pathways, underserved small-business expansion, neighborhood revitalization, and financial health, with grants reported across the U.S., especially in California, New York, and Washington, D.C. In 2025, grants ranged from $2 to $2,197,332, with a median of $600. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
11,076
Total Given
$193.0M
More Funders in New York
Frances & Benjamin Benenson Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?