OVERVIEW: This funder exclusively supports Benton County, Oregon, with grantmaking for basic needs, youth employment, civic engagement, music, counseling and childcare. Each year, BCF reevaluates local needs and what causes will be funded.
IP TAKE: The Benton Community Foundation is a low-profile funder serving a restricted geographical area. The foundation is run by a limited staff of four, consisting of a president/CEO/grants manager, finance manager, and operations manager. As a small, community funder, BCF maintains a bare-bones website that doesn’t contain much information on its grantmaking strategy and priorities. However, it is clear that BCF gives broadly within its giving area, spreading its funding around to as many local nonprofits as possible. Its biggest priorities here are basic needs services such as shelters and food pantries, but it also strongly supports education and programs for youth outreach and well-being. It also offers scholarships for Oregon State University students, as well as high school students graduating from any Benton County schools.
BCF is not the most transparent funder, as its website contains limited information about its grantmaking strategy or history. A limited list of select past grantees is available, but not a comprehensive, searchable database. It is relatively accessible, as it accepts applications for its community grants program, but its website does not contain highly detailed guidelines for the application. Grantseekers may reach out to foundation for questions or assistance, but with such a small staff, it may not be the most responsive to inquiries.
PROFILE: The Benton Community Foundation (BCF), based in Corvallis, Oregon, was established in 1953 with a gift from Robert Johnson, then owner of the Corvallis Times newspaper. It awards grants exclusively to benefit the residents of Benton County in order to “enhance our community through philanthropy.”
There are many funds at BCF, including donor-advised funds, designated funds, a special project fund, community funds, sustainability funds, and agency funds. Agency fund grants, for example, are established by local charities to support future operations. In the past, over half of the foundation’s yearly grants support basic needs. The next largest category has been youth employment programs, followed by civic engagement. It has made other grants to music, childcare and summer activities for kids, and support services and counseling.
BCF offers community grants up to $10,000 in one grant cycle per year and Emergency Grants year round. However, grants from the donor-advised funds are made throughout the year. In addition to grants, this funder awards scholarships to high school students, college students, ROTC students, and music students.
Grants for Arts & Culture
The Benton Community Foundation makes grants for arts and culture, supporting “art programs, musical opportunities for youth,” performing arts, art museums, history museums, and art education for youth and adults. Past grantees include Corvallis Youth Symphony Association, Majestic Theater, Corvallis Arts Center, Community Airwaves, and Benton County Historical Society.
Grants for Education and Youth
The Benton Community Foundation makes grants for education and youth, supporting “mentorship, early literacy, scholarships,” STEM education, youth well-being, and out-of-school activities. BCF also awards Scholarships for students graduating from Benton County high schools and/or attending Oregon State University in Corvallis. Past grantees include Clemens Primary School, Old Mill Center for Children and Families, SMART Reading, Together for Ubuntu, Jackson Street Youth Services, Philomath Youth Activities Club, and Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center.
Grants for Community Development and Public Health
The Benton Community Foundation makes grants for community development and public health. Its community betterment grant program supports “park improvements, community health and safety programs or events,” while grants for human services fund food banks, shelters, health care access, and “other basic need type asks.” Past grantees include Dial-a-Bus of Benton County, Community Outreach, South Corvallis Food Bank, Benton Habitat for Humanity, ABC House, South Benton Food Pantry, Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence, Corvallis Housing First, Quilts from Caring Hands, Vina Moses Center, and Benton Furniture Share.
IMPORTANT GRANT DETAILS:
The Benton Community Foundation’s community grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, although grants to long term grantee partners may range up to $100,000. Grantseekers may review a list of previous grantees is here, and grantee stories are here.
BCF’s grantmaking is restricted to Corvallis, Oregon, and the surrounding area of Benton County. While it sometimes funds regional branches of larger, national nonprofits, its community grantmaking strongly prioritizes locally based organizations.
Applications for Community Grants are generally open from December to January. Applications for Emerging Needs Grants are accepted year-round. Applicants may submit more than one proposal as long as they are for unrelated projects. BCF may also share submitted applications with its donor-advised funds in order to expand opportunities for funding.
Applications are reviewed by BCF’s Grants Committee, which sends its recommendations to the Board for approval.
Students may apply for scholarships through the scholarship portal, which is typically open from December to March. Only one application is necessary
General questions can be directed to the staff at 541-753-1603. The foundation is located at 660 NW Harrison Boulevard, but funder’s mailing address is P.O. Box 911, Corvallis, Oregon 97339.
PEOPLE:
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