Bruce Benson Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Bruce Benson Foundation is a private foundation in Denver, Colorado. In tax year 2025 it gave $602,000 in 19 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $200,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$602,000
- Number of grants19
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$200,000
- Assets$2.7 million
- New grantees32%
Giving in 2025 was down from $784,000 the year before.
32% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.2 million | 12 | $3.5 million |
| 2024 | $784,000 | 20 | $2.8 million |
| 2025 | $602,000 | 19 | $2.7 million |
How to apply
Bruce Benson Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Bruce Benson Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Colorado.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 16 | $581,000 |
| New York | 1 | $10,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $10,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Advance Colorado | Aid to community | $200,000 |
| The Steamboat Institute | Aid to community | $100,000 |
| Colorado Academy | Aid to community | $100,000 |
| Leadership Program of the Rockies | Aid to community | $75,000 |
| University of Colorado | Aid to community | $40,000 |
| Denver Police Foundation | Aid to community | $10,000 |
| Denver Public Schools Foundation | Aid to community | $10,000 |
| Tunnel to Towers Foundation | Aid to community | $10,000 |
| Boy Scouts of America | Aid to community | $10,000 |
| Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance | Aid to community | $10,000 |
| Food Bank of the Rockies | Aid to community | $10,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club | Aid to community | $5,000 |
| Common Sense Institute | Aid to community | $5,000 |
| Independence Institute | Aid to community | $5,000 |
| Step Denver | Aid to community | $5,000 |
| Denver Rescue Mission | Aid to community | $2,000 |
| Judi's House | Aid to community | $2,000 |
| Salvation Army | Aid to community | $2,000 |
| The Delta Chi Association | Aid to community | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Bruce D Benson
- Marcy H Benson
- James C Benson
- David B Benson
- Ann B Reidy
Questions people ask
Does Bruce Benson Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Bruce Benson Foundation give?
$602,000 in tax year 2025, across 19 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Bruce Benson Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Bruce D Benson (President), Marcy H Benson (Secretary), James C Benson (Director) and David B Benson (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Bruce Benson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and youth programs.