Robert Sonsteng Foundation
Accepts applications
Robert Sonsteng Foundation is a private foundation in Benson, Minnesota. In tax year 2024 it gave $216,200 in 16 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $50,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$216,200
- Number of grants16
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$750,432
- New grantees57%
Giving in 2024 was up from $129,688 the year before.
57% of its 2024 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $176,500 | 13 | $7.7 million |
| 2023 | $129,688 | 10 | $7.6 million |
| 2024 | $216,200 | 16 | $750,432 |
How to apply
| Contact | Donald Wilcox 1150 Wisconsin Ave, Benson, MN 56215 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (320) 842-5391, dwilcox@bensonmnlaw.com |
| What to submit | Letter of request stating charitable purpose |
| Deadlines | Open request policy |
| Restrictions | Each request from a 501(c)(3) organization will be considered |
What Robert Sonsteng Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 16 | $216,200 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Benson Public Schools | Playground equipment | $50,000 |
| Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church | Property maintenance | $29,000 |
| West Zion Church | Operating support | $25,500 |
| Swift County Fair Assoc | Support of swift cty fair operations | $15,000 |
| City of Benson | Police dept | $15,000 |
| Benson Area Cares 4 Kids | School children nutrition program | $13,000 |
| Benson Public Schools | Prom afterbash | $12,000 |
| Sunburg Ambulance Services | Equipment | $10,000 |
| Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church | Youth programming | $10,000 |
| J & J'S Tiny Teacher | Safety education | $10,000 |
| Shepherd of the Hills Church | Operating | $8,600 |
| City of Bensson | Support kid day programs | $7,000 |
| Starbuck Fire Dept | Equipment | $5,000 |
| Clontarf Fire Dept | Equipment | $4,500 |
| Swift County MN | Sheriff's dept | $1,000 |
| Cura of Benson | Operating support | $600 |
Officers and trustees
- Donald A Wilcox
- Benjamin R Wilcox
- Steven Nelson
- Scott Nelson
- Darrin Nelson
- Anthony Hilleren
Questions people ask
Does Robert Sonsteng Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Open request policy.
How much does Robert Sonsteng Foundation give?
$216,200 in tax year 2024, across 16 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Robert Sonsteng Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Donald A Wilcox (Director, Ce), Benjamin R Wilcox (Director/Sec), Steven Nelson (VP) and Scott Nelson (Director) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Robert Sonsteng Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and community development.