Confluence Foundation

## Approach & Strategy

The Confluence Foundation is a private family foundation based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, led by members of the Bentinck-Smith and Weyerhaeuser families. Despite its Minnesota headquarters, the foundation's grantmaking is geographically dispersed across at least seven U.S. states — Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Louisiana, and Massachusetts — suggesting a strategy driven by the board's personal networks and interests rather than local community investment.

The foundation pursues a multi-issue approach spanning education, arts and culture, journalism, historic preservation, human rights, and social justice. Notable grantees like World Central Kitchen and the ACLU Foundation of Colorado indicate a willingness to fund both direct service delivery and systemic advocacy. The presence of the Workers Confluence Fund among supported organizations suggests engagement with labor rights and worker organizing, particularly in Minnesota. With total annual giving around $215,000, the foundation operates as a modest but consistent funder, maintaining a disciplined approach of approximately 20-24 grants per year.

## Funding Patterns

The Confluence Foundation distributes approximately $200,000–$215,000 annually across 18–24 grants. Grant sizes range widely from $500 to $335,617, with a median around $5,000, indicating the foundation makes a mix of small project-level grants alongside occasional large anchor investments (likely to Art Complex Inc, which receives multi-year support).

Financial trajectory (2019–2024): - Assets grew from $2.84M (2019) to $5.01M (2024), nearly doubling in five years - Revenue averaged ~$760K/year with a peak of $995K in 2021 - Giving has remained stable at ~$200K–$215K despite asset growth, suggesting a conservative payout rate (~4.3%) - The foundation had an unusually high expense year in 2021 ($1.83M) and 2020 ($1.15M), likely reflecting special program investments or grants beyond the typical annual level

The foundation appears to favor general operating support and special projects over restricted program grants, providing flexibility to grantees. Funding concentrations in arts (Art Complex Inc) and social justice (ACLU, worker centers) represent the two primary pillars of giving.

## Peer Comparison

The Confluence Foundation is notably smaller than most Minnesota-based peers but distinguishes itself through its multi-state geographic reach and its blend of arts patronage with social justice funding. Unlike larger peers such as F.R. Bigelow and Mardag which focus exclusively on Minnesota communities and maintain formal application processes, Confluence operates more like a classic family foundation with discretionary, relationship-driven grantmaking. Its conservative payout rate (~4.3%) is near the IRS minimum, suggesting a long-term endowment preservation strategy.

## Recent Activity

The Confluence Foundation filed its most recent Form 990-PF on May 8, 2025 (covering fiscal year 2024), reporting total assets of $5,013,527 and total giving of $215,000. This represents continued asset growth from $4,357,707 in 2023 and $3,880,316 in 2022.

Grant activity has been consistent at 20–24 grants per year since 2021. The foundation's 2024 revenue was $900,257 against expenses of $242,739, indicating strong positive cash flow and continued endowment growth. All five board members continue to serve without compensation: Andrew Bentinck-Smith (President), Ian Weyerhaeuser (Secretary), Justin Weyerhaeuser, Kelli Bentinck-Smith (Treasurer), and either Sean Deichert or Michele Bria as Assistant Secretary/Treasurer (990 filings show variation across years).

The foundation maintains its support for recurring grantees including Art Complex Inc and has continued engagement with social justice organizations. The Workers Confluence Fund, a supported initiative, has been active in Minnesota labor organizing including advocacy for the Warehouse Worker Protection Act in partnership with the Awood worker center and Teamsters.

## Application Tips

1. Relationship-first approach: The Confluence Foundation does not publish a formal application process or RFP. With only ~12% of new applicants receiving funding, a warm introduction through existing grantees or board connections is likely essential. Research the Bentinck-Smith and Weyerhaeuser family networks.

2. Align with demonstrated interests: Focus your pitch on one of the foundation's proven pillars — arts/culture/historic preservation, journalism/creative writing, or human rights/social justice. Organizations working at the intersection of these areas (e.g., arts-based social justice) may be particularly compelling.

3. Consider geographic alignment: Despite being headquartered in Minnesota, the foundation funds across CO, DC, FL, IA, IL, LA, and MA. If your organization is in one of these states, emphasize that connection. Organizations outside these states face a higher bar.

4. Right-size your ask: With ~$215K distributed across ~22 grants, the typical grant is modest. New applicants should request in the $5,000–$15,000 range unless pursuing multi-year support similar to Art Complex Inc's arrangement. The foundation's wide grant range ($500–$335K) means they can scale up for the right fit.

5. Emphasize operational flexibility: The foundation appears to favor general operating support over restricted grants. Frame your request around organizational capacity and mission impact rather than narrow program deliverables.

6. Contact directly: Without a published website or application portal, reach out via mail to 30 E 7th Street, Suite 2000, Saint Paul, MN 55101 with a concise letter of inquiry describing your organization, mission alignment, and specific funding need.