Benson Fund for Senior Services

The James & Virginia Benson Memorial Fund for the Elderly of Placer County was created in 2002 through a bequest from James and Virginia Benson, philanthropists with a legacy of supporting senior services in Placer County, California. Administered by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, the fund reflects the Bensons’ enduring commitment to improve the lives of the elderly through grants to local nonprofit organizations. This grant opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that deliver effective services tailored to seniors. Funded activities may include but are not limited to, meal programs, transportation services, and other essential support that enhances the well-being and independence of senior residents in Placer County. The program specifically targets organizations that demonstrate a strong impact on the aging population and whose services are geographically rooted in Placer County. The fund provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. However, it places specific restrictions on the use of funds: they may not be used for capital campaigns, endowments, debt relief, individual aid, political or legislative advocacy, or promotion of religious/spiritual beliefs. This ensures that awarded funds go directly toward mission-aligned, programmatic services. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, primarily serving seniors in Placer County. In addition, applicants must maintain a current organizational profile on GivingEdge, the Foundation’s online nonprofit portal. If a profile is not already established, it must be submitted prior to the final reporting deadline. Applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s online portal; paper or email submissions are not accepted. Prospective applicants are encouraged to ensure that their organization’s legal name, tax ID, and mailing address are accurately listed in their grant profile. Fiscal sponsors are permitted, but sponsor details must also be current in the organizational profile. The 2024 application window opens on August 5 and closes on August 26. The fund does not specify a recurring schedule, but it has made prior awards in both 2022 and 2023, suggesting a likely annual cycle. The Foundation can be contacted for questions about proposal content or technical aspects of the submission process via email at info@sacregcf.org or by phone at (916) 921-7723.

Ensure organizational and fiscal sponsor data is up-to-date in the profile; use only online submission.