One of the principal purposes of the Benson Area Community Foundation is to provide grant monies to eligible community organizations for purposes of project and program implementation and sustainability. Grant making commenced in 2005 and has continued to the present day. The first several years of existence, the Foundation made grants on a one-time-per-year basis. With the increased size of our Endowment Fund and the excellent return on investments, the Foundation Board opted to increase the frequency of grant-making to two-times-per-year. Typically, awards are made in the months of April and October.
Since the inception of grant making from January 1, 2005 and up until October 12, 2022, the Benson Area Community Foundation in concert with its donor-advised funds, the Galen Hanson Endowment Fund and Robert Sonsteng Fund, has collectively awarded over $487,859.00.
Among these awards, a representative sample includes:
Benson Arts Council – Performing Arts Council Series. $20,000
Danvers – New Fire Hall $7,000
Benson Public Schools Northside Rec Improvements $12,468
City of Benson – Aquatic Center. $7,000
Benson Women of Today – Mini Golf Course. $10,000
Scandi Haven Village – Fireplace Lounge Furniture $7,000
Benson Lions Club – Disc Golf Course at Ambush Park $11,000
To view a full list of Grants & Awards from January 1, 2005 to October 12, 2022, CLICK HERE.
Some of Our Projects
Swimming Pool Improvements
PBIS Tshirts
Dr. Dish Basketball Machine
Swift County Humane Society
An organization whose purposes is to provide humane treatment and services to abandoned and rescued pets. Awards have been given to underwrite the cost of their spay and neutering program and to help underwrite the cost of the “Wagging Tails” outdoor dog park – fencing, benches, water sources, etc.
City of Danvers
Award given to help underwrite the cost of improvements to the Danvers City Park.
City of DeGraff
Award given to underwrite costs associated with improvements and expansion of the Dineen Park Shelter in DeGraff.