Bender Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $6.6 million (2024)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $100,000
• Geographic Focus: Washington DC metro area (primary), National, Israel

Contact Details

Website: http://www.benderfoundationinc.org
Phone: 202-828-9000
Address: 4801 Hampden Lane, Unit 104, Bethesda, MD 20814
Application Portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=benderfoundation (invitation-only)

Overview

The Bender Foundation Inc is a private family foundation established in 1959 that continues the philanthropic legacy of the Bender family across three generations. With total assets of $157.4 million and annual grant disbursements exceeding $6.6 million, the foundation supports approximately 75 organizations annually with grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. The foundation maintains a deliberately low public profile and operates exclusively through invitation-only grantmaking, primarily supporting large and well-established organizations in the Washington DC metro area. Their charitable disbursements represent 84-90% of total expenses, demonstrating a strong commitment to philanthropic impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate specific named grant programs but provides flexible funding through:

• General Operating Support: $5,000 - $100,000 (trustee-discretion awards)
• Program Support: $5,000 - $100,000 (for specific initiatives within priority areas)

Priority Areas

• Arts and Culture organizations
• Health institutions including hospitals
• Social Services programs
• Jewish causes and organizations
• Education initiatives

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, based on their giving patterns they appear not to fund:

• Individual requests
• New or unproven organizations
• Organizations outside their geographic focus areas
• Unsolicited proposals

Governance and Leadership

Current Trustees:

• Julie Bender Silver
• David S. Bender
• Barbara A. Bender

The foundation continues the philanthropic vision established by Jack I. and Dorothy G. Bender, and carried forward by Howard M. and Sondra D. Bender. The current generation of trustees maintains the family's commitment to strategic philanthropy while preserving the foundation's preference for privacy and discretionary grantmaking.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Bender Foundation operates exclusively on an invitation-only basis. Organizations must be invited by the trustees to submit proposals through their grant portal at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=benderfoundation. The foundation website explicitly states that "unsolicited proposals are not being considered at this time."

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation recommends that organizations seeking funding network within the D.C. philanthropic community to gain potential consideration. Key strategies include:

• Building relationships within the Washington DC philanthropic community where trustees are active
• Establishing your organization as a recognized leader in one of their five priority areas
• Developing connections through the Jewish community given the foundation's support of Jewish causes and historical connection to the Bender JCC
• Demonstrating a proven track record as the foundation primarily supports "large and well-established organizations"
• Ensuring strong presence and impact in the Washington DC metro area

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed due to invitation-only process

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation-only grantmaking model

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and stated preferences:

• Organizations must be well-established with proven track records - the foundation explicitly supports "large and well-established organizations"
• Strong alignment with one of the five core funding areas is essential
• Geographic presence in the Washington DC metro area appears to be a significant factor in most grants
• Having existing relationships or connections to the trustees or their networks is crucial for receiving an invitation
• Organizations in the Jewish community or with connections to Jewish causes may have natural networking advantages
• The foundation values low-profile, strategic philanthropy, suggesting they prefer organizations that share this approach

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Bender Foundation is inaccessible through traditional grant application methods - all funding is by invitation only
• With $157 million in assets and $6.6 million in annual giving, they are a significant but selective funder
• Average grant size of approximately $85,000 makes them attractive for substantial program or operating support
• Focus on networking within DC philanthropic circles rather than attempting direct contact
• Organizations must be patient and strategic in building visibility within the foundation's sphere of influence
• Consider connections through related entities like the Dorothy G. Bender Foundation which operates in similar circles
• The foundation's low-profile approach means building relationships through intermediaries and shared networks is more effective than direct outreach

References

• Bender Foundation Inc. official website (http://www.benderfoundationinc.org) - Accessed January 24, 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - IRS Form 990-PF filings for 2023-2024 - Accessed January 24, 2026
• Charity Navigator profile (EIN 526054193) - Accessed January 24, 2026
• Candid Foundation Directory Online database entry - Accessed January 24, 2026
• Inside Philanthropy foundation profile - Accessed January 24, 2026
• Cause IQ organization database - Accessed January 24, 2026
• Grantmakers.io profile - Accessed January 24, 2026