The Bender Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Bender Family Foundation is a private foundation in Albany, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $238,873 in 38 grants; the typical grant was $4,205 and the largest $25,000. 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$238,873
- Number of grants38
- Typical grant$4,205
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$4.8 million
- New grantees53%
Giving in 2025 was down from $252,853 the year before.
53% 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 | $193,000 | 27 | $4.4 million |
| 2024 | $252,853 | 34 | $4.8 million |
| 2025 | $238,873 | 38 | $4.8 million |
How to apply
The Bender 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Bender Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 36 | $237,373 |
| Vermont | 1 | $1,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Friends of Thacher State Park | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Albany Institute of History and Art | Unrestricted | $15,500 |
| Connect Center for Youth | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Steamer NO10 Theatre Inc | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Underground Railroad Education Center | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| University at Albany Foundation | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Watervliet Civic Chest Inc | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Destroyer Escort Historical Museum (Uss Slater) | Unrestricted | $11,000 |
| Capital District Women's Employment & Resource Center (Werc) | Unrestricted | $10,250 |
| Girls Incorporated of the Greater Capital Region | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York Inc | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| New York Newspapers Foundation | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Palace Theatre Palace Performing Arts Center Inc | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Albany Center Galleries Inc | Unrestricted | $8,250 |
| The Children's Museum at Saratoga | Unrestricted | $7,600 |
| Community Foundation for the Capital Region | Unresticted | $7,000 |
| Maria College | Unrestricted | $6,500 |
| Innovation Station Inc | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Iphny Inc | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Up-Stitch | Unrestricted | $3,410 |
| Arts Center of the Capital Region | Unrestricted | $3,000 |
| Amvet POST9594 Ravena Ny | Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Marist College | Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Rapp Road Historical Association | Unrestricted | $1,863 |
| The Connect Center | Unrestricted | $1,500 |
| Albany Academies | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Bronck Museum | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Friends in Adoption | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Koinonia Primary Healthcare | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company | Unrestricted | $750 |
| Equinox | Unrestricted | $750 |
| Hudson Mohawk Humane Society | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Innovation Station Ravena Ny | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Loomis Chaffee | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy Inc | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Park Playhouse | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Ravena Coeymans Historical Society | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Things of My Very Own | Unrestricted | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Jeffrey P Bender
- M Christian Bender
- Phoebe P Bender
- Jackie Mahoney
- Ten Eyck Powell Jr
Questions people ask
Does The Bender Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Bender Family Foundation give?
$238,873 in tax year 2025, across 38 grants, with a typical grant of $4,205.
Who runs The Bender Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Jeffrey P Bender (President), M Christian Bender (Vice-President), Phoebe P Bender (Secretary) and Jackie Mahoney (Treasurer) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Bender Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and youth programs.