Benton Telecommunications Foundation
Accepts applications
Benton Telecommunications Foundation is a private foundation in Rice, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $177,750 in 25 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $25,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$177,750
- Number of grants25
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$6.4 million
- New grantees48%
Giving in 2025 was up from $127,375 the year before.
48% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $211,135 | 29 | $5.4 million |
| 2024 | $127,375 | 22 | $5.9 million |
| 2025 | $177,750 | 25 | $6.4 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Josh Anderson 2220 125th St NW, Rice, MN 56367 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (320) 393-2115 |
| What to submit | Must submit a detailed description of the individual or organization and the proposed activities and purposes of the organization and individual. Application forms can be found on the foundation's website, which is www.bentontelecomfoundation.org. |
| Restrictions | 501(c)(3) organizations; federal, state or local governmental agency or board; churches; individual grants for travel, study, or similar purposes; disaster relief or individual economic relief as described in treasury regulations section 1.170A-4A. Priority will be given to those projects who are directly within the benton cooperative telephone company service delivery area. Proposals within the counties served and having an impact on the people in the direct service area will also be considered. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Benton Telecommunications Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 24 | $162,750 |
| Illinois | 1 | $15,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| American Cancer Society - Relay for Life | Relay support, research, education, and advocacy | $25,000 |
| Eastern Morrison County 4 Wheeler Club Inc | Widen & clean up trails along the soo line trail | $25,000 |
| Employment Enterprises Inc | Automatic doors for entrance into their building | $25,000 |
| Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Great Strides | Walk support for a cure & assist people with cf | $20,000 |
| Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge Inc | Help veterans through addiction, ptsd, and mental health | $20,000 |
| City of Rice | Reader sign on city hall for messages to residents, etc. | $15,000 |
| Muscular Dystrophy Association | Assist camp cost for children with muscular dystrophy | $15,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota | Expansion of bigs program - sr rice school & sctc | $10,000 |
| Can Do Canines | Costs for starter kits for trained dogs to help disabled | $2,000 |
| Christian Reformed Church of Pease | Youth service week for area surrounding pease | $2,000 |
| City of Bock | Playground equipment for the community park | $2,000 |
| Connectability of Minnesota | Repair costs of gently used mobility equipment | $2,000 |
| Gilman Park & Rec | Three new benches for gilman ball park | $2,000 |
| Rice Area Food Shelf | Rice area food shelf support | $2,000 |
| Rice Women of Today | Supplies for community bike rodeo | $2,000 |
| The Bridge Ag Church | Community events and outreaches for the rice area | $2,000 |
| Community Christian School of Pease MN | Books for the middle school library - expand and update | $1,500 |
| Angel Foundation | Provide for needs of low income cancer patients | $1,000 |
| Beckys Troop Care Packages | Military care packages | $1,000 |
| Volleyball Bash for A Cure | Coborn cancer center donation | $1,000 |
| American Legion Auxiliary (473 Hassel Briese) | Beautification, maintenance and upkeep of vet memorial | $500 |
| Graham Methodist Church VBS Program | Supplies for vacation bible school program | $500 |
| Nexus Family Healing (Nexus-Mille Lacs) | Recreational tools for new trails group home - onamia | $500 |
| Rice Community VBS (Shepherd of the Pines) | Supplies for vacation bible school program | $500 |
| Milaca Recfest & Activities | Milaca bluegrass festival in milaca | $250 |
Officers and trustees
- Daniel Lieser
- Nancy Frerich
- Mike Kahl
- Cheryl Scapanski
- Roger Secord
- Jim Young
Questions people ask
Does Benton Telecommunications Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does Benton Telecommunications Foundation give?
$177,750 in tax year 2025, across 25 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs Benton Telecommunications Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Daniel Lieser (President), Nancy Frerich (Vice President), Mike Kahl (Secretary) and Cheryl Scapanski (Treasurer) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Benton Telecommunications Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, youth programs and education.