Bentson Foundation
Accepts applications
Bentson Foundation is a private foundation in Wayzata, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $13.5 million in 37 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $7.1 million. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$13.5 million
- Number of grants37
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$7.1 million
- Assets$152 million
- New grantees62%
Giving in 2025 was up from $7.5 million the year before.
62% 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 | $4.5 million | 48 | $135 million |
| 2024 | $7.5 million | 43 | $144 million |
| 2025 | $13.5 million | 37 | $152 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Judi Dutcher 315 Lake St E Suite 302, Wayzata, MN 55391 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (952) 923-1040 |
| What to submit | In writing, stating purpose of organization and intended use |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Bentson Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 25 | $8.8 million |
| California | 2 | $3.4 million |
| South Dakota | 3 | $545,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $250,000 |
| New York | 3 | $225,000 |
| Iowa | 1 | $200,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $100,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $25,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota Foundation | General | $7.1 million |
| University of Calif Santa Barbara | General | $3.1 million |
| Planned Parenthood North Central States | General | $450,000 |
| Augustana University | General | $420,000 |
| Lobero Theatre | General | $250,000 |
| Upmc Children's Hospital Foundation | General | $250,000 |
| ACLU of MN Foundation | General | $225,000 |
| Iowa Law School Foundation | General | $200,000 |
| Duluth Regional Care Center | General | $125,000 |
| Chabad Jewish Center | General | $100,000 |
| Connected Families | General | $100,000 |
| Friends of Education | General | $100,000 |
| Indiana University Foundation | General | $100,000 |
| International Rescue Committee | General | $100,000 |
| New Impact Fund | General | $100,000 |
| UNICEF | General | $100,000 |
| Normandale Housing Corporation | General | $90,000 |
| Normandale Lutheran Church | General | $70,000 |
| Community Emergency Services | General | $50,000 |
| Hope Farm School | General | $50,000 |
| Minnesota Urban Debate League | General | $50,000 |
| People Serving People Inc | General | $50,000 |
| Winona State University Foundation | General | $40,000 |
| Prodeo Academy | General | $30,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | General | $25,000 |
| Guild | General | $25,000 |
| Metro Meals on Wheels | General | $25,000 |
| Mount Zion Temple | General | $25,000 |
| National Wildlife Federation | General | $25,000 |
| Redeemer Lutheran Church | General | $25,000 |
| St Anthony Park Lutheran Church | General | $25,000 |
| Riverworks | General | $20,000 |
| NAMI Minnesota | General | $15,000 |
| North Metro Blazers | General | $15,000 |
| West Homeschool Cooperative | General | $15,000 |
| Lifeworks | General | $10,000 |
| The Dwelling Place | General | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Laurie Bentson Kauth
- Mark S Niblick
- Steve Grosser
- George Reilly
- Kimberly Bentson Kauth
- Lowell Stortz
- Judi Dutcher
- Darin Opperman
Questions people ask
Does Bentson Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does Bentson Foundation give?
$13.5 million in tax year 2025, across 37 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Bentson Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Laurie Bentson Kauth (President), Mark S Niblick (Treasurer), Steve Grosser (Assistant Treasurer) and George Reilly (Secretary) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does Bentson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and international.