Benson Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Benson Family Foundation is a private foundation in Des Moines, Iowa. In tax year 2025 it gave $4,650 in 16 grants; the typical grant was $200 and the largest $1,000. 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$4,650
- Number of grants16
- Typical grant$200
- Largest grant$1,000
- Assets$96,933
- New grantees25%
Giving in 2025 was down from $4,950 the year before.
25% 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 | $5,109 | 22 | $98,319 |
| 2024 | $4,950 | 22 | $91,346 |
| 2025 | $4,650 | 16 | $96,933 |
How to apply
Benson 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 Benson Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 13 | $4,150 |
| Missouri | 1 | $200 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $200 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $100 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| First Unitarian Church of Des Moines | Church | $1,000 |
| Animal Rescue League | Shelter for homeless animals | $700 |
| Iowa Wild Bird Rehabilitation | Iowa bird rehab | $600 |
| Food Bank of Iowa | Food assistance | $500 |
| Mind & Spirit Counseling Center | Counseling services | $250 |
| Hope Ministries | Food & shelter for indigent | $200 |
| Perry Lutheran Home | Grief counseling | $200 |
| Wing Haven Foundation | Bird sanctuarysupport for women & children | $200 |
| The Salvation Army | Food, shelter etc | $200 |
| VFW Auxiliary | Veterans | $200 |
| Child Serve | Children care | $100 |
| Heifer International | Family poverty | $100 |
| Puppy Jake Foundation | Home for disabled animals | $100 |
| Seed Savers Exchange | Preservation of heirloom seeds | $100 |
| Wesley Life | Provide meals | $100 |
| Special Olympics Iowa | Disabled athletes | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Sandy B Johnson
Questions people ask
Does Benson Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Benson Family Foundation give?
$4,650 in tax year 2025, across 16 grants, with a typical grant of $200.
Who runs Benson Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Sandy B Johnson (President).
What does Benson Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, housing and homelessness and food and hunger.