Program Areas

In 1956, the Bentson family established the Bentson Foundation to support a diverse array of charitable causes in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Throughout their lives, Larry and Nancy Bentson were known for their compassion, quiet generosity and a strong commitment to their faith.

Larry and Nancy created a lasting legacy of philanthropy that continues to this day through the work of the Bentson Foundation.

Our areas of giving include:

Higher Education

Larry Bentson meeting with Bentson Scholars in 2004.Nursing students train at Bentson Foundation Healthy Communities Innovation Center

Scholarship Support

  • The Bentson Scholars at the University of Minnesota
  • The Bentson Scholars, Doctors of Nursing Practice at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing
  • The Bentson Family Scholars at New York University, College of Arts and Science

 

Support of Nursing education

  • The Bentson Foundation Healthy Communities Innovation Center (a simulation lab) at the University of Minnesota
  • Augustana College, Sven G. Froiland Science Center.

 

Public Health

  • University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Center for Infection Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP)

Public Health

The Bentson Families Healthy Communities Innovation CenterThe Bentson Foundation announces $10 million donation for neuroscience programs at United Hospital

Public Health Initiatives

  • University of Minnesota School of Nursing; The Bentson Families Healthy Communities Innovation Center
  • United Hospital of St. Paul; Chair of the John Nasseff Neuroscience Institute
  • United Hospital of St. Paul; Bentson Foundation NeuroIntensive Care & Same Stay Unit
  • United Hospital of St. Paul; endowment support for the John Nasseff Neuroscience Institute
  • Washburn Child Center; Staff training in emerging diagnostics for parent/child psychotherapy
  • Mental Health Resources; Invisible No More Campaign

Arts & Humanities

The Bentson Foundation has granted the Walker Art Center $1 million to “enhance the presentation and preservation” of the Ruben/Bentson Film and Video Study Collection.Antique radios, televisions, and broadcast equipment on display at The Pavek Museum of Broadcasting
  • The Walker Art Center; the Ruben/Bentson Film and Video Study Collection
  • Pavek Broadcasting Museum
  • The Museum of Russian Art
  • Santa Barbara Museum of Art
  • Santa Barbara International Film Festival
  • New York University, College of Arts and Sciences, the Bentson Dean’s Lecture Series

The Bentson Foundation is a 501(c)3 private family foundation founded in 1956. Larry and Nancy Bentson spent most of their lives in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. Larry was the CEO of MidContinent Media and was inducted into the Museum of Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2001. Lifelong philanthropists, Nancy and Larry created The Bentson Foundation to continue their legacy of giving.

Bentson Foundation

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