James Benjamin and Agnes M
James Benjamin and Agnes M is a private foundation based in Lexington, South Carolina. Its 2025 filing reports 10 grants totaling $135,000, each designated for scholarships to universities, colleges, or a community college.
James Benjamin and Agnes M at a glance
In short: James Benjamin and Agnes M gave $135K across 10 grants in 2025 (avg $14K), mostly in South Carolina. 20% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $135,000
- +20.0% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 10
- +25.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $13,500
- -4.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $7,500
- Total assets
- $2,162,728
- -1.6% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 20% first-time grantees (2 of 10, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- South Carolina (65% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to James Benjamin and Agnes M
- How to Apply
-
The 2024 filing says applicants should contact Craig Clonts. It describes a standard scholarship application that includes items such as major, professional goals and objectives, honors and awards, and extracurricular activities. Three references and proof of college acceptance or current student enrollment are required. The filing lists no restrictions on awards.
- Review Cycle
- None listed.
- Deadline
- None listed.
- Contact
Application contact: Craig Clonts
Mailing address: 179 Payne Lane, Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 517-3298
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who James Benjamin and Agnes M funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was University of South Carolina ($55K). Together the top 10 received $135K.
Grant Size Distribution
54 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 51 grants of 54 (94%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2025 grant dollars went to recipients in South Carolina (65%), North Carolina (24%), Virginia (6%), and Missouri (6%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 10 itemized grants.
Cities
Is James Benjamin and Agnes M open to new grantees?
20%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 2 of 10 grantees (20%) were first-time recipients. With only 10 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 10 points. First grants averaged $5K; repeat grants $16K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $8K repeat.
- 60% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+10%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 98% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $113K (2024) to $140K (2023). In 2025 it made 10 grants totaling $135K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of South Carolina Columbia, SC | Scholarship | $55,000 |
| Wingate University Wingate, NC | Scholarship | $20,000 |
| Charleston Southern University Charleston, SC | Scholarship | $15,000 |
| Anderson University Anderson, SC | Scholarship | $7,500 |
| NC State University Raleigh, NC | Scholarship | $7,500 |
| Washington & Lee University Lexington, VA | Scholarship | $7,500 |
| Washington University in St Louis St. Louis, MO | Scholarship | $7,500 |
| Wofford College Spartanburg, SC | Scholarship | $5,000 |
| Coastal Carolina University Conway, SC | Scholarship | $5,000 |
| Stanly Community College Albemarle, NC | Scholarship | $5,000 |
Ready to take the next step with James Benjamin and Agnes M?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2,162,728 | $132,756 | $168,167 | $135,000 | 10 | $150,109 | $116,605 | $153,739 |
| 2024 | $2,198,139 | $102,922 | $139,813 | $112,500 | 8 | $124,812 | $89,728 | $141,395 |
| 2023 | $2,235,030 | $87,214 | $171,941 | $139,500 | 11 | $153,927 | $72,252 | $135,806 |
| 2022 | $2,319,757 | $216,641 | $127,115 | $122,500 | 10 | $124,362 | $214,485 | $143,705 |
| 2021 | $2,230,231 | $21,021 | $142,527 | $117,500 | 15 | — | $34,137 | $131,410 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, James Benjamin and Agnes M reported a distributable amount of $154K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants were all designated for scholarships. Recipients include universities and colleges, as well as Stanly Community College.
The grantees describe their missions in varied terms. Wingate University says it seeks to develop educated, ethical, and productive global citizens, while Charleston Southern University says its mission is to promote academic excellence in a Christian environment. Stanly Community College Foundation says it solicits and collects funds for scholarships and aid to students and faculty, as well as financial support for the college.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation gave $135,000 through 10 grants. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $55,000, with a median of $7,500. The largest grants were $55,000 to the University of South Carolina, $20,000 to Wingate University, and $15,000 to Charleston Southern University. Other recipients included Anderson University ($7,500), NC State University ($7,500), Washington & Lee University ($7,500), Washington University in St. Louis ($7,500), Wofford College ($5,000), Coastal Carolina University ($5,000), and Stanly Community College ($5,000).
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists William Harrington and Craig Clonts as trustees.
James Benjamin and Agnes M's 2025 filing lists 2 officers; all 2 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Craig Clonts
Trustee
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
$8K (2021) → $13K (2025)
William Harrington
Trustee
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
$12K (2021) → $13K (2025)
Former officers (1)
- Former: Harrington Law Firm (2023–2024) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $13K, to William Harrington (Trustee). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about James Benjamin and Agnes M
How much does James Benjamin and Agnes M give each year?
James Benjamin and Agnes M gave $135K across 10 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $113K across 8 grants.
What is James Benjamin and Agnes M's typical grant size?
James Benjamin and Agnes M's median grant in 2025 was $7,500, and its average grant was $13,500, across 10 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from James Benjamin and Agnes M that year got $5K on average.
Where does James Benjamin and Agnes M give grants?
James Benjamin and Agnes M gives mostly in South Carolina: 65% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were North Carolina (24%) and Virginia (6%).
Does James Benjamin and Agnes M give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 10 grants with a stated purpose on James Benjamin and Agnes M's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Scholarship" (10 grants).
Who are James Benjamin and Agnes M's largest grantees?
James Benjamin and Agnes M's largest 2025 grantees include University of South Carolina ($55,000), Wingate University ($20,000) and Charleston Southern University ($15,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 67% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is James Benjamin and Agnes M?
James Benjamin and Agnes M reported $2.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $150K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $154K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does James Benjamin and Agnes M fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants were all designated for scholarships. Recipients include universities and colleges, as well as Stanly Community College. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from James Benjamin and Agnes M?
The 2024 filing says applicants should contact Craig Clonts. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is James Benjamin and Agnes M's EIN?
James Benjamin and Agnes M's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 45-6596303. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 24, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 10, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 15, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in James Benjamin and Agnes M's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Grant Thornton Foundation
Chicago, IL
In 2024, the Grant Thornton Foundation funded general support, educational institutions, and disaster relief, awarding 10 grants of $1,575 to $41,450 (median $19,060). It is based in Chicago, with 2024 grants concentrated in California, Arizona, and Florida. The foundation gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$224K
Grants
10
Total Given
$181K
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce and local economic development, disaster resilience, conservation, clean water, and economic opportunity in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000; applications for grants of $20,000 or less are accepted year-round, after applicants discuss proposals with a state representative.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
IBM International Foundation
Armonk, NY
The IBM International Foundation funds education and workforce programs that build 21st-century and technology job skills, including initiatives for underserved students and job seekers. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $8.48 million, with a median of $100,000, and went to organizations across several U.S. states, especially Delaware and Massachusetts. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$357.7M
Grants
16
Total Given
$11.7M
Charles Russell Wellons Foundation
Durham, NC
The Charles Russell Wellons Foundation funds religious and ministry-related work, education, and scholarships, with most 2024 grant dollars going to North Carolina organizations and additional support in nearby states. Grants ranged from $200 to $76,765, with a median of $3,100. It does not limit giving to preselected organizations; applicants should contact Charlene Hamlett for forms and materials.
Assets
$8.2M
Grants
24
Total Given
$195K
Hughes Memorial Home
Danville, VA
Hughes Memorial Home funds special projects and capital improvements benefiting needy or at-risk children, as well as scholarships for higher education or job training, in Virginia and North Carolina. Its 2025 grants ranged from $750 to $52,500, with a median of $2,500. It accepts grant applications through an online process, but says applications will not be accepted in 2026; the next stated application period is July 1–September 1, 2027.
Assets
$5.5M
Grants
53
Total Given
$402K
Dover Foundation Inc
Shelby, NC
Dover Foundation Inc funds faith-based, educational, and human-service nonprofits, including projects such as renovations, food ministries, emergency services, youth programs, and scholarships, with priority given to Cleveland County, North Carolina; out-of-county groups may apply if their project benefits county residents. Its 2025 grants ranged from $300 to $151,000, with a median of $12,610. It accepts one request per calendar year from eligible tax-exempt organizations through its online application.
Assets
$22.8M
Grants
55
Total Given
$1.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in South Carolina
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). James Benjamin and Agnes M funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/james-benjamin-and-agnes-m-morg_3bc6d62d5a1d4e4491cbe8e3075fc8d9
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_456596303_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{James Benjamin and Agnes M funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/james-benjamin-and-agnes-m-morg_3bc6d62d5a1d4e4491cbe8e3075fc8d9},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from James Benjamin and Agnes M's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
James Benjamin and Agnes M down — hundreds of funders to go?