Benson Area Community Foundation
The Benson Area Community Foundation aims to enrich the quality of life for community members and provide a legacy by connecting charitable donors to their visions for Benson and the surrounding area. Organized under the umbrella of Southwest Initiative Foundation, the community foundation is a vehicle for making charitable contributions for the benefit of the community through a permanent endowment fund that enables people to give back and fulfill the dreams for tomorrow. A local advisory board provides oversight and directs how funds will be used for the exclusive benefit of the Benson area.
Local Advisory Board
Vyke Breen
Terri Collins
Deb Connolly
Brittany Hill
Adam Kolander
Erin Nagler
Angela Nissen
Brady Olson
Laura Ostlie
Eric Payne
Gwen Wilcox
Grants
The Benson Area Community Foundation advisory board sets grant-making priorities through regular review of community needs and opportunities. Grants are made to qualified non-profit organizations that have an interest in building and strengthening the community and surrounding area. Since inception, the Benson Area Community Foundation and its related donor advised funds, including the Galen Hanson Endowment Fund and the Robert Sonsteng Memorial Endowment, have collectively granted more than $522,000 to support local organizations and community projects.
