Bendon Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Bendon Family Foundation is a private foundation in Paia, Hawaii. In tax year 2025 it gave $641,160 in 38 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $95,000. 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$641,160
- Number of grants38
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$95,000
- Assets$12.4 million
- New grantees55%
Giving in 2025 was up from $224,700 the year before.
55% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $317,500 | 30 | $10.1 million |
| 2023 | $408,500 | 34 | $10.6 million |
| 2024 | $224,700 | 20 | $10.6 million |
| 2025 | $641,160 | 38 | $12.4 million |
How to apply
Bendon Family 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 Bendon Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Hawaii.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 35 | $625,160 |
| Colorado | 3 | $16,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Hawaii Foundation Maui College | Endowment, reading program, radiology tech program | $95,000 |
| Imua Family Services | Pre-school project | $60,000 |
| PBS Hawaii | Matching grant pledge | $60,000 |
| Hawaii Public Radio | Reporting for maui and general fund | $50,000 |
| Roots School | Unrestricted funds | $30,000 |
| Maui Family YMCA | Tuition assistance and office remodel | $25,000 |
| Maui Academy of Performing Arts | Educational theater tour and tuition assistance | $20,000 |
| Pacific Primate Sanctuary Inc | Year 5 of 5 grant for intern program | $20,000 |
| Whale Trust | Whale tales program | $20,000 |
| Maui Rescue Mission | Water pumping for mobile trailer | $18,000 |
| Montessori School of Maui | Tuition assistance and hawaiian scholarhip fund | $16,000 |
| Carden Academy of Maui | Year 1 of 3 pledge for professional development | $15,000 |
| Friends of Maui Waena Intermediate School | Robotics and afterschool program | $15,000 |
| Hospice Maui | Kokua fund endowment | $15,000 |
| Maui Food Bank | General support | $15,000 |
| Maui Pops Orchestra | Year 3 of 3 ensembles in schools pledge | $15,000 |
| Seabury Hall | Annual fund | $10,660 |
| Hawaii Council for the Humanities | Hawaii history day | $10,000 |
| La'akea Village | General fund/unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Ma Ka Hana Ka 'Ike | K-12 ina-based culinary program, kahu ai pono, | $10,000 |
| Maui Adult Daycare Centers | Tution assistance | $10,000 |
| Maui Arts & Cultural Center | Year 2 of 5 unrestricted fund pledge | $10,000 |
| Paia Youth and Cultural Center | General fund | $10,000 |
| Salvation Army | Holiday meals and food security | $10,000 |
| Pacific Cancer Foundation | Aloha kalikimaka | $8,500 |
| Hui Maka Ainana O Makana | Education programs | $8,000 |
| Maui Huliau Foundation | Matching grant pledge | $7,500 |
| Book Trust | Kaluapuu elementary | $6,000 |
| Alexander Academy of Performing Arts | Tuition assistance | $5,000 |
| Feed My Sheep | Unrestricted funds | $5,000 |
| Hale Kau Kau | General fund/unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Hawaii Land Trust | Maui - education programs | $5,000 |
| Ho'ola NA Pua | Pearl sponsorship | $5,000 |
| United Way Yampa Valley | Community grants | $5,000 |
| Yampa Valley Community Foundation | Community grants | $5,000 |
| Friends of the Children's Justice Center | Holiday toy drive | $3,000 |
| Wave of Harmony | Education | $2,000 |
| Adaptations Dance Theater | Pivot fellowship program | $1,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Kristi Bendon
- James A Bendon
- Susan K Bendon
- John James Bendon
Questions people ask
Does Bendon Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Bendon Family Foundation give?
$641,160 in tax year 2025, across 38 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Bendon Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Kristi Bendon (Managing Director), James A Bendon (President), Susan K Bendon (Vice President) and John James Bendon (Director).
What does Bendon Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and human services.