Benton Telecommunications Foundation focuses on local, practical community investments in Rice, MN and nearby areas, funding hands‑on program and capital needs that improve employment opportunities and community life. Their grants prioritize workforce readiness and job supports for vulnerable populations (including people with disabilities), facility/equipment upgrades for community organizations, and faith‑based and health‑oriented community services. They favor tangible, impactful gifts (vehicles, equipment, repairs) that enable service delivery rather than general operating grants.
A defining feature of Benton Telecommunications Foundation is its repeated use of large, project-specific grants to strengthen local service capacity in central Minnesota. In 2024, it gave $25,000 to Employment Enterprises Inc. for a cube truck for a recycling program serving people with disabilities, and another $25,000 to Terebinth Refuge for an employment readiness program. The foundation also backed shelter expansion, with $25,000 to Anna Marie's Alliance for capital funds for expansion and remodel of a shelter. That mix of employment support, disability services, and facility investment shows a funder focused on practical improvements that change how organizations can deliver services. The foundation’s recent giving also reaches into health-related community support, emergency response, and local recreation. It supported American Cancer Society- Relay for Life at both $25,000 and $20,000, and funded Milaca Fire and Rescue at $25,000 for equipment replacement. Elsewhere, it made grants for transportation, housing, and community infrastructure, including a new van for client appointments, cameras and equipment for transitional housing, and repairs to a ball field. Across these grants, the pattern is consistent: support for concrete needs that help local organizations function better and serve residents more directly.
Benton Telecommunications Foundation supports employment readiness and job training for people facing barriers. It gave $25,000 to Terebinth Refuge for its employment readiness program and another $25,000 to Employment Enterprises Inc. for a cube truck tied to its recycling program for disabled workers. The foundation also funded vocational and service-delivery supports at smaller levels, including $11,850 to Wacosa for LED signage for its store. Housing and basic needs appear in the recent record as well. Anna Marie's Alliance received $25,000 for capital funds for expansion and remodel of a shelter, while Catholic Charities received $12,500 for cameras and equipment for transitional housing. Food security shows up through Rice Area Food Shelf grants of $2,000 in both 2023 and 2024. Health-focused community support is another clear theme. American Cancer Society- Relay for Life received $25,000 and $20,000 for relay support, research, education, and advocacy, and Horizon Health Inc. received $2,000 for training for depression coaching service for seniors.
$178K
$6.4M
$510K
$267K
Most grants fall between $1K and $20K, with a median of $2K.
25th Percentile
$1K
Median
$2K
75th Percentile
$20K
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Relatively small portfolio of moderate-sized, targeted grants concentrated in the local community; mix of one-off capital/equipment grants and program support with at least one repeat grantee (Terebinth Refuge). Grants are tangible and project-specific rather than broad multi-year general operating commitments.
Notable grantees: Terebinth Refuge, Employment Enterprises, Inc., Buckman Ballpark, Inc., Catholic Charities
Typical grant size clusters around smaller project support, with a p25 of $1,000, a median of $2,000, and a p75 of $20,000. The foundation’s active programs show a clear split between small grants under $2,000 and larger competitive project grants up to $25,000. Several programs require a letter of inquiry, and requests over $2,000 require a 50% match. Small grants are reviewed monthly, while larger proposals are invited after LOI review. Recent grants also show repeat support to the same organizations across years, including Terebinth Refuge, Catholic Charities, American Cancer Society- Relay for Life, and Rice Area Food Shelf.
All recent grants listed went to recipients in Minnesota, and 100% of grants were made to recipients in the foundation’s headquarters state. The most frequent recipient cities include St Cloud, Rice, Waite Park, Little Falls, Milaca, and Foley. Grants also reached Royalton, Sauk Rapids, Pierz, and Eagen. The geography matches a local giving pattern centered on Benton County and nearby Minnesota communities.
Its recent grants favor project-based needs such as employment readiness, disability-related work supports, shelter expansion, transitional housing equipment, food shelf support, community recreation repairs, and health-related fundraising or awareness. Grants often cover concrete items like vehicles, cameras, computers, signage, equipment, or building repairs.
Its grant-size distribution is small-to-midrange: p25 is $1,000, median is $2,000, and p75 is $20,000. The active programs also separate small grants under $2,000 from larger project grants up to $25,000.
Yes. The recent record includes repeat grants to several organizations across years, including Terebinth Refuge, Catholic Charities, American Cancer Society- Relay for Life, Rice Area Food Shelf, and Buckman Ballpark Inc.
The foundation’s giving is local, with all recent grants going to Minnesota recipients. Recent recipient cities include St Cloud, Rice, Waite Park, Little Falls, Milaca, Foley, Royalton, Sauk Rapids, Pierz, and Eagen.
Larger project grants use a letter-of-inquiry process. For the full grant programs, applicants submit a 2–3 page LOI first, and full proposals are by invitation only. Requests over $2,000 require a 50% match, and larger awards can go up to $25,000.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Financiamiento actual y próximo de Benton Telecommunications Foundation al que tu organización sin fines de lucro podría postularse.
¿Quién puede postularse? Project proposals under $2,000. Requests must fit the foundation's areas of interest and are intended to support projects/programs rather than organizational overhead or administrative expenses.
Fecha límite: Reviewed monthly; may be submitted at any time.
¿Quién puede postularse? Project proposals under $2,000. Funds are for projects/programs and not for organizational overhead or administrative expenses.
Fecha límite: Reviewed monthly; may be submitted at any time.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMPLOYMENT ENTERPRISES INC | LITTLE FALLS, MN | $25,000 | 2026 | AUTOMATIC DOORS FOR ENTRANCE INTO THEIR BUILDING |
| AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY - RELAY FOR LIFE | EAGEN, MN | $25,000 | 2026 | RELAY SUPPORT, RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND ADVOCACY |
| EASTERN MORRISON COUNTY 4 WHEELER CLUB INC | PIERZ, MN | $25,000 | 2026 | WIDEN & CLEAN UP TRAILS ALONG THE SOO LINE TRAIL |
| MINNESOTA ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE INC | MINNEAPOLIS, MN | $20,000 | 2026 | HELP VETERANS THROUGH ADDICTION, PTSD, AND MENTAL HEALTH |
| CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION - GREAT STRIDES | MINNEAPOLIS, MN | $20,000 | 2026 | WALK SUPPORT FOR A CURE & ASSIST PEOPLE WITH CF |
| MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION | CHICAGO, IL | $15,000 | 2026 | ASSIST CAMP COST FOR CHILDREN WITH MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY |
| CITY OF RICE | RICE, MN | $15,000 | 2026 | READER SIGN ON CITY HALL FOR MESSAGES TO RESIDENTS, ETC. |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL MINNESOTA | ST CLOUD, MN | $10,000 | 2026 | EXPANSION OF BIGS PROGRAM - SR RICE SCHOOL & SCTC |
| CITY OF BOCK | BOCK, MN | $2,000 | 2026 | PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR THE COMMUNITY PARK |
| THE BRIDGE AG CHURCH | RICE, MN | $2,000 | 2026 | COMMUNITY EVENTS AND OUTREACHES FOR THE RICE AREA |
| RICE AREA FOOD SHELF | RICE, MN | $2,000 | 2026 | RICE AREA FOOD SHELF SUPPORT |
| GILMAN PARK & REC | FOLEY, MN | $2,000 | 2026 | THREE NEW BENCHES FOR GILMAN BALL PARK |
| CAN DO CANINES | NEW HOPE, MN | $2,000 | 2026 | COSTS FOR STARTER KITS FOR TRAINED DOGS TO HELP DISABLED |
| CONNECTABILITY OF MINNESOTA | WAITE PARK, MN | $2,000 | 2026 | REPAIR COSTS OF GENTLY USED MOBILITY EQUIPMENT |
| CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH OF PEASE | PEASE, MN | $2,000 | 2026 | YOUTH SERVICE WEEK FOR AREA SURROUNDING PEASE |
| RICE WOMEN OF TODAY | RICE, MN | $2,000 | 2026 | SUPPLIES FOR COMMUNITY BIKE RODEO |
| COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OF PEASE MN | PEASE, MN | $1,500 | 2026 | BOOKS FOR THE MIDDLE SCHOOL LIBRARY - EXPAND AND UPDATE |
| BECKYS TROOP CARE PACKAGES | ST CLOUD, MN | $1,000 | 2026 | MILITARY CARE PACKAGES |
| VOLLEYBALL BASH FOR A CURE | RICE, MN | $1,000 | 2026 | COBORN CANCER CENTER DONATION |
| ANGEL FOUNDATION | MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN | $1,000 | 2026 | PROVIDE FOR NEEDS OF LOW INCOME CANCER PATIENTS |
| NEXUS FAMILY HEALING (NEXUS-MILLE LACS) | PLYMOUTH, MN | $500 | 2026 | RECREATIONAL TOOLS FOR NEW TRAILS GROUP HOME - ONAMIA |
| GRAHAM METHODIST CHURCH VBS PROGRAM | RICE, MN | $500 | 2026 | SUPPLIES FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PROGRAM |
| RICE COMMUNITY VBS (SHEPHERD OF THE PINES) | RICE, MN | $500 | 2026 | SUPPLIES FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PROGRAM |
| AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY (473 HASSEL BRIESE) | RICE, MN | $500 | 2026 | BEAUTIFICATION, MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP OF VET MEMORIAL |
| MILACA RECFEST & ACTIVITIES | MILACA, MN | $250 | 2026 | MILACA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL IN MILACA |
| AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY- RELAY FOR LIFE | EAGEN, MN | $25,000 | 2025 | RELAY SUPPORT, RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND ADVOCACY |
| EMPLOYMENT ENTERPRISES INC | LITTLE FALLS, MN | $23,210 | 2025 | REMODELING RESTROOMS IN DISABLED FACILITIES |
| CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION - GREAT STRIDES | MINNEAPOLIS, MN | $20,000 | 2025 | WALK SUPPORT FOR A CURE & ASSIST PEOPLE WITH CF |
| OVERCOMERS INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP | ST CLOUD, MN | $20,000 | 2025 | WINDOWS FOR BUILDINGS THAT HOUSE MEN BEING REHABILITATED |
| MLMB FIRST RESPONSE TEAM | PIERZ, MN | $10,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT KIDS 4 LIDS PROJECT |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES | ST CLOUD, MN | $7,167 | 2025 | REPLACE FAILING FREEZER CONDENSER |
| BENTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT | FOLEY, MN | $2,500 | 2025 | POLICE & SHERIFF OFFICE ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN & NEW K-9 |
| MILLE LACS COUNTY COMMUNITY & VET SERVICES | MILACA, MN | $2,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR FOSTER CARE CHILDREN |
| CROSS OF BENTON COUNTY | FOLEY, MN | $2,000 | 2025 | FREEZER UNIT FOR FOOD SHELF |
| CARE - COMMUNITY ACTION RESPECTING ELDERS | FOLEY, MN | $2,000 | 2025 | OFFICE EQUIPMENT TO HANDLE THE GROWTH OF THE PROGRAM |
| CITY OF BOCK | BOCK, MN | $2,000 | 2025 | BUILDING TO HOLD CITY PARK EQUIPMENT & GARDEN TOOLS |
| BENTON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | FOLEY, MN | $2,000 | 2025 | AED TO BE PLACED AT THE GILMAN LIQUOR STORE |
| RICE AREA FOOD SHELF | RICE, MN | $2,000 | 2025 | RICE AREA FOOD SHELF SUPPORT |
| NEXUS FAMILY HEALING (NEXUS-MILLE LACS) | PLYMOUTH, MN | $1,998 | 2025 | FURNITURE FOR ONAMIA BOYS GROUP HOME |
| ANGEL FOUNDATION | MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN | $1,000 | 2025 | PROVIDE FOR NEEDS OF LOW INCOME CANCER PATIENTS |
| CONNECTABILITY OF MINNESOTA | WAITE PARK, MN | $1,000 | 2025 | CLEANING AND REPAIR OF MEDICAL DEVICES FOR DISTRIBUTION |
| ST FRANCIS MUSIC CENTER | LITTLE FALLS, MN | $1,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT FREE SUMMER LESSONS FOR STRING INSTRUMENTS |
| THE BRIDGE AG CHURCH | RICE, MN | $500 | 2025 | COMMUNITY KIDS ACTIVITY PROGRAMS & SCHOOL SUPPLIES |
| RICE WOMEN OF TODAY | RICE, MN | $500 | 2025 | SUPPLIES FOR COMMUNITY BIKE RODEO |
| GRAHAM METHODIST CHURCH VBS PROGRAM | RICE, MN | $500 | 2025 | SUPPLIES FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PROGRAM |
| VOLLEYBALL BASH FOR A CURE | RICE, MN | $500 | 2025 | COBORN CANCER CENTER DONATION |
| RICE COMMUNITY VBS (SHEPHERD OF THE PINES) | RICE, MN | $500 | 2025 | SUPPLIES FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PROGRAM |
| AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY- RELAY FOR LIFE | EAGEN, MN | $25,000 | 2024 | RELAY SUPPORT, RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND ADVOCACY |
| EMPLOYMENT ENTERPRISES INC | LITTLE FALLS, MN | $25,000 | 2024 | CUBE TRUCK FOR RECYCLING PROGRAM WITH DISABLED |
| BUCKMAN BALLPARK INC | ROYALTON, MN | $25,000 | 2024 | UPDATE AND REPAIRS TO THE BALL FIELD |
EMPLOYMENT ENTERPRISES INC
$25,000AUTOMATIC DOORS FOR ENTRANCE INTO THEIR BUILDING
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY - RELAY FOR LIFE
$25,000RELAY SUPPORT, RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND ADVOCACY
EASTERN MORRISON COUNTY 4 WHEELER CLUB INC
$25,000WIDEN & CLEAN UP TRAILS ALONG THE SOO LINE TRAIL
MINNESOTA ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE INC
$20,000HELP VETERANS THROUGH ADDICTION, PTSD, AND MENTAL HEALTH
CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION - GREAT STRIDES
$20,000WALK SUPPORT FOR A CURE & ASSIST PEOPLE WITH CF
ASSIST CAMP COST FOR CHILDREN WITH MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
CITY OF RICE
$15,000READER SIGN ON CITY HALL FOR MESSAGES TO RESIDENTS, ETC.
EXPANSION OF BIGS PROGRAM - SR RICE SCHOOL & SCTC
CITY OF BOCK
$2,000PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR THE COMMUNITY PARK
THE BRIDGE AG CHURCH
$2,000COMMUNITY EVENTS AND OUTREACHES FOR THE RICE AREA
RICE AREA FOOD SHELF
$2,000RICE AREA FOOD SHELF SUPPORT
GILMAN PARK & REC
$2,000THREE NEW BENCHES FOR GILMAN BALL PARK
CONNECTABILITY OF MINNESOTA
$2,000REPAIR COSTS OF GENTLY USED MOBILITY EQUIPMENT
CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH OF PEASE
$2,000YOUTH SERVICE WEEK FOR AREA SURROUNDING PEASE
RICE WOMEN OF TODAY
$2,000SUPPLIES FOR COMMUNITY BIKE RODEO
COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OF PEASE MN
$1,500BOOKS FOR THE MIDDLE SCHOOL LIBRARY - EXPAND AND UPDATE
BECKYS TROOP CARE PACKAGES
$1,000MILITARY CARE PACKAGES
VOLLEYBALL BASH FOR A CURE
$1,000COBORN CANCER CENTER DONATION
RECREATIONAL TOOLS FOR NEW TRAILS GROUP HOME - ONAMIA
GRAHAM METHODIST CHURCH VBS PROGRAM
$500SUPPLIES FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PROGRAM
RICE COMMUNITY VBS (SHEPHERD OF THE PINES)
$500SUPPLIES FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PROGRAM
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY (473 HASSEL BRIESE)
$500BEAUTIFICATION, MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP OF VET MEMORIAL
MILACA RECFEST & ACTIVITIES
$250MILACA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL IN MILACA
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY- RELAY FOR LIFE
$25,000RELAY SUPPORT, RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND ADVOCACY
EMPLOYMENT ENTERPRISES INC
$23,210REMODELING RESTROOMS IN DISABLED FACILITIES
CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION - GREAT STRIDES
$20,000WALK SUPPORT FOR A CURE & ASSIST PEOPLE WITH CF
OVERCOMERS INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP
$20,000WINDOWS FOR BUILDINGS THAT HOUSE MEN BEING REHABILITATED
MLMB FIRST RESPONSE TEAM
$10,000SUPPORT KIDS 4 LIDS PROJECT
BENTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
$2,500POLICE & SHERIFF OFFICE ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN & NEW K-9
MILLE LACS COUNTY COMMUNITY & VET SERVICES
$2,000SUPPORT FOR ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR FOSTER CARE CHILDREN
CROSS OF BENTON COUNTY
$2,000FREEZER UNIT FOR FOOD SHELF
CARE - COMMUNITY ACTION RESPECTING ELDERS
$2,000OFFICE EQUIPMENT TO HANDLE THE GROWTH OF THE PROGRAM
CITY OF BOCK
$2,000BUILDING TO HOLD CITY PARK EQUIPMENT & GARDEN TOOLS
BENTON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
$2,000AED TO BE PLACED AT THE GILMAN LIQUOR STORE
RICE AREA FOOD SHELF
$2,000RICE AREA FOOD SHELF SUPPORT
CONNECTABILITY OF MINNESOTA
$1,000CLEANING AND REPAIR OF MEDICAL DEVICES FOR DISTRIBUTION
ST FRANCIS MUSIC CENTER
$1,000SUPPORT FREE SUMMER LESSONS FOR STRING INSTRUMENTS
THE BRIDGE AG CHURCH
$500COMMUNITY KIDS ACTIVITY PROGRAMS & SCHOOL SUPPLIES
RICE WOMEN OF TODAY
$500SUPPLIES FOR COMMUNITY BIKE RODEO
GRAHAM METHODIST CHURCH VBS PROGRAM
$500SUPPLIES FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PROGRAM
VOLLEYBALL BASH FOR A CURE
$500COBORN CANCER CENTER DONATION
RICE COMMUNITY VBS (SHEPHERD OF THE PINES)
$500SUPPLIES FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PROGRAM
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY- RELAY FOR LIFE
$25,000RELAY SUPPORT, RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND ADVOCACY
EMPLOYMENT ENTERPRISES INC
$25,000CUBE TRUCK FOR RECYCLING PROGRAM WITH DISABLED
BUCKMAN BALLPARK INC
$25,000UPDATE AND REPAIRS TO THE BALL FIELD