The Benter Foundation
The Benter Foundation is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, established in 2007 to help communities and individuals thrive. Its stated work includes advancing a more livable Pittsburgh, with emphasis on downtown and the city’s urban core, as well as supporting local opportunity and work that reaches beyond Pittsburgh.
The Benter Foundation at a glance
In short: The Benter Foundation gave $3.4M across 50 grants in 2025 (avg $67K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 18% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $3,368,362
- +7.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 50
- +13.6% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $67,367
- -5.7% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $27,500
- Total assets
- $179,355
- -3.7% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 18% first-time grantees (7 of 40, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (100% 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 The Benter Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds; proposals must be invited. It says proposal requirements are forwarded when it invites a proposal. It will consider a brief one- or two-paragraph email inquiry describing the project, audience served, and potential impact, and may request more information if the idea aligns with current priorities.
- Contact
Mailing address: 223 Fourth Avenue 1800, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (412) 682-7800
Website: https://thebenterfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Benter Foundation
Who The Benter Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Inc ($1.3M across 6 grants). Together the top 10 received $2.6M.
Grant Size Distribution
247 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 158 grants of 247 (64%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation emphasizes Pittsburgh, particularly downtown and the city’s urban core. All reported 2025 grant dollars went to recipients in Pennsylvania.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 50 itemized grants.
Cities
Is The Benter Foundation open to new grantees?
18%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 7 of 40 grantees (18%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $17K; repeat grants $98K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $30K repeat.
- 70% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving fell 42% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2019–2025). 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 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $2.1M (2023) to $5.8M (2022). In 2025 it made 50 grants totaling $3.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Inc Pittsburgh, PA | Support of vibrant streets fund, innovative programming snf implementation of market square revitalization | $800,000 |
| Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Inc Pittsburgh, PA | Final Installment of Ambassadors Pledge | $300,000 |
| Propel Schools Foundation Inc Pittsburgh, PA | Support of six post-secondary scholarships awarded over three years | $180,000 |
| Grantmakers of Western PA Pittsburgh, PA | Second installment of three year grant to support the launch of a regional capacity building initiative | $166,667 |
| Pittsburgh Trust for Cultural Resources DBA Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Pittsburgh, PA | Two installments of capital campaign pledge for cabaret series | $150,000 |
| Pittsburgh Symphony Inc DBA Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Pittsburgh, PA | First Installment of Four-Year Capital Campaign Pledge | $125,000 |
| Point Park University Pittsburgh, PA | Support of an assistant director position for pittsburgh media partnership activities | $121,600 |
| Pittsburgh Opera Inc Pittsburgh, PA | General Operating Support | $120,000 |
| Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Inc Pittsburgh, PA | Support of a Pollinator Parklet for Downtown Pittsburgh | $93,000 |
| Pittsburgh Symphony Inc DBA Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Pittsburgh, PA | General Operating Support | $90,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Benter Foundation?
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 | $179,355 | $3,650,973 | $3,657,928 | $3,368,362 | 50 | $3,657,050 | $145 | $3,972 |
| 2024 | $186,310 | $3,500,243 | $3,458,665 | $3,141,863 | 44 | $3,457,627 | — | $7,695 |
| 2023 | $144,732 | $2,454,198 | $2,464,127 | $2,116,319 | 50 | $2,463,194 | — | $4,557 |
| 2022 | $154,661 | $6,190,163 | $6,151,184 | $5,804,727 | 48 | $6,122,976 | — | $109,081 |
| 2021 | $115,682 | $2,919,006 | $4,597,835 | $4,210,137 | 55 | $4,558,837 | $1,359,209 | $20,624 |
| 2020 | $1,071,641 | $365,114 | $4,459,725 | $4,220,721 | 62 | — | $278,637 | $165,650 |
| 2019 | $5,166,252 | $1,203,369 | $4,428,757 | $4,182,800 | 55 | — | $191,023 | $392,592 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Benter Foundation reported a distributable amount of $4K 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
The Foundation’s stated aim is to help communities and individuals thrive. Its described priorities include Pittsburgh livability, smart transportation, the arts, global connections, and expanding local access to education and career opportunities. Its 2025 grants also show support for downtown revitalization and programming, cultural organizations, parks, and post-secondary scholarships.
Among 2025 grantees, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership describes its mission as advancing initiatives that foster economic vitality and improve downtown life. Propel Schools Foundation says it supports Propel Schools’ mission to catalyze public education transformation and expand access to high-performing public schools. Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy says it improves quality of life by enhancing and stewarding Pittsburgh’s parks with the community. Pittsburgh Opera describes its mission as enriching Pittsburgh and the tri-state area culturally and drawing national and international attention to the region.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the Foundation reported 50 grants totaling $3,368,362. Grant amounts ranged from $1,500 to $800,000, with a median of $27,500.
Notable 2025 awards included $800,000 to Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership for its Vibrant Streets Fund, programming, and Market Square revitalization; $300,000 to the same organization as the final installment of an Ambassadors pledge; $180,000 to Propel Schools Foundation for six post-secondary scholarships awarded over three years; and $166,667 to Grantmakers of Western PA as the second installment of a three-year regional capacity-building initiative grant. Other awards included $150,000 to Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for a Cabaret Series capital campaign pledge, $125,000 to Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for a four-year capital campaign pledge, $121,600 to Point Park University for an assistant director position supporting Pittsburgh Media Partnership activities, and $120,000 to Pittsburgh Opera for general operating support.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists William F Benter as president and director, Bruce Benter as secretary and director, and Bruce Pyle as treasurer and director.
The Benter Foundation is led by William F. Benter, President & Director on every filing since 2019; none of the 3 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
William F. Benter
President & Director
On filings since 2019
1.6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bruce Benter
Secretary & Director
On filings since 2019
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bruce Pyle
Treasurer & Director
On filings since 2019
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about The Benter Foundation
How much does The Benter Foundation give each year?
The Benter Foundation gave $3.4M across 50 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $3.1M across 44 grants.
What is The Benter Foundation's typical grant size?
The Benter Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $27,500, and its average grant was $67,367, across 50 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Benter Foundation that year got $17K on average.
Where does The Benter Foundation give grants?
The Benter Foundation gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Pittsburgh, PA (47 grants).
Does The Benter Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 44% of The Benter Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (22 of 50) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Support for Momentum Award" (3 grants).
Who are The Benter Foundation's largest grantees?
The Benter Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Inc ($1,322,900 across 6 grants), Pittsburgh Symphony Inc DBA Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra ($215,000 across 2 grants) and Point Park University ($188,795 across 2 grants), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 51% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Benter Foundation?
The Benter Foundation reported $179K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $3.7M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $4K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Benter Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s stated aim is to help communities and individuals thrive. Its described priorities include Pittsburgh livability, smart transportation, the arts, global connections, and expanding local access to education and career opportunities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Benter Foundation?
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds; proposals must be invited. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Benter Foundation's EIN?
The Benter Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-8807953. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does The Benter Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 14, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 13, 2026)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS May 11, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 13, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 11, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 13, 2024)
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Benter Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Buhl Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
The Buhl Foundation primarily funds community work in Pittsburgh’s Northside, including education, employment, health, place, and safety, and also supports education, youth development, human services, and economic and community development across Southwestern Pennsylvania. Its 2025 grants ranged from $2,750 to $250,000, with a median of $25,000. It accepts letters of inquiry through an online process and applications on a rolling basis; full applications are by invitation.
Assets
$107.9M
Grants
83
Total Given
$4.2M
McKinney Charitable Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
The foundation supports Pennsylvania organizations, with recent grants spanning arts and culture, youth education, and social services. Its 2025 grants averaged about $17,000, with listed awards ranging from $20,000 to $50,000; a 2026 filing reported one grant of $687,253. It does not restrict giving to preselected organizations, but the available information does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.4M
Grants
1
Total Given
$687K
McCune Foundation PNC Bank NA
Pittsburgh, PA
The McCune Foundation funds nonprofit work in education, human services, humanities, and civic life, with a focus on community vitality and economic growth in southwestern Pennsylvania. Its 2025 grants ranged from $15,000 to $9 million, with a median of $150,000. It does not restrict giving to preselected organizations; applicants are directed to contact the foundation and consult McCune.org for application materials.
Assets
$90.9M
Grants
81
Total Given
$41.8M
BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern PA
Pittsburgh, PA
The foundation supports arts, education, literacy, community development, and economic vitality, primarily in Pennsylvania, especially the Pittsburgh area, with some grants elsewhere. Its 2024 grants ranged from $25,000 to $1.465 million, with a median of $200,000. It does not restrict giving to preselected organizations; application details and deadlines are provided after contacting Kendra Wotkyns.
Assets
$81.9M
Grants
19
Total Given
$5.1M
The Grable Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
The Grable Foundation funds early learning, public education, out-of-school programs, and community resources that improve children’s lives, primarily in the Pittsburgh region. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,000 to $1 million, with a median of $20,000. It accepts proposals by letter and has no special application form; requests should align with its fields of interest.
Assets
$350.4M
Grants
361
Total Given
$13.3M
Staunton Farm Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
Staunton Farm Foundation funds nonprofit behavioral health treatment and support, including mental health and substance use services, with priorities such as collaboration, innovation, advocacy, and communication. Its grants primarily serve ten southwestern Pennsylvania counties and typically center around $25,000 (2024 grants ranged from $500 to $200,000); spring and fall cycles begin with a letter of inquiry, followed by an invitation to apply.
Assets
$68.3M
Grants
87
Total Given
$3.2M
More similar funders
More Funders in Pennsylvania
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Benter Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-benter-foundation-morg_f051113a5f764badbbdc05d7343ca04e
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_208807953_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Benter Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-benter-foundation-morg_f051113a5f764badbbdc05d7343ca04e},
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 The Benter Foundation'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.
The Benter Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?