The Foundation prefers to fund projects that:

• develop new and innovative approaches to community problems
• facilitate the improvement of services or programs
• invest in equipment or facilities that will have a long-lasting impact on community needs

The Foundation organizes its grant making into eight categories.  They are displayed here for information purposes only.  The Foundation does not budget to categories in advance and grant seekers are not required to apply by category. 

• Charity - Programs providing for basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. 
• Civic - Programs improving the quality of life in a community as a whole such as museums and recreation facilities. 
• Culture - Programs encompassing the arts.
• Education - Programs supporting capital projects and scholarships, primarily for fourteen pre-selected colleges and universities in the Pacific Northwest.
• Elderly - Programs serving the social, health, recreational, and other needs of older people.
• Health - Programs related to providing health care.
• Social Services - Programs serving people with physical or mental disabilities or other special needs.
• Youth - Programs helping young people to gain the skills needed to become responsible and productive adults.

The Foundation makes grants to private, nonprofit organizations that have received their 501 (c) (3) status from the IRS and that qualify as public charities.  In special circumstances proposals from governmental organizations are allowed. 

The Foundation generally does not make grants to:

• Support general operating budgets or annual campaigns
• Projects which are primarily or normally financed by tax funds
• Religious organizations for sectarian purposes
• Basic research
• Endowment funds
• Individuals
• Produce books, films or videos
• Conferences, seminars, or attendance at same
• Individual students or student groups raising money for school-related trips

For more information you may email us at:
info@benbcheneyfoundation.org