Benson Family Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a diverse range of charitable causes. Its mission appears to focus on improving the well-being of vulnerable populations, including children, the homeless, and animals, as well as promoting education, food security, and mental health services. The foundation provides funding to various organizations that address these issues, such as animal shelters, food banks, and counseling services. Overall, it demonstrates a commitment to community service and welfare, with a significant emphasis on animal welfare and food assistance.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small-to-micro nonprofits, primarily in Iowa, providing direct services (animal welfare, food assistance, counseling, faith-based community services) seeking modest grants or operational support.
Good Fit
- • Local Iowa presence or program footprint.
- • Direct service programs (animal shelters, food banks, counseling, community aid).
- • Track record of small, community-focused projects and fiscal responsibility.
- • Introductions or nominations from local leaders, past grantees, or board contacts.
- • Requests for modest amounts consistent with past grants (under a few thousand dollars).
Geography
Giving is heavily focused in Iowa — roughly 84% of dollars — with only minor out-of-state gifts across a handful of other states, indicating a locally concentrated footprint.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funds many distinct, independent recipients each year (22 recipients annually) across diverse causes (animal welfare, food assistance, counseling, churches, seed preservation), and shows both recurring and new grantees.
New Applicants
Observed behavior shows new recipients enter the portfolio (about 10 new in the latest year), but the foundation states grants are to preselected organizations and has no public application route, suggesting unfamiliar applicants may gain access primarily via nomination or relationship rather than open application.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
