TY 2010 Form 990PF

- TIN:

Form990-PF

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Return of Private Foundation

or Section 4947(a)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust
Treated as a Private Foundation

Note. The foundation may be able to use a copy of this return to satisfy state reporting requirements.

OMB No. 1545-0052

2010

For calendar year 2010, or tax year beginning 01-01-2010 , and ending 12-31-2010

Check all that apply:Initial returnInitial return of a former public charityFinal return

Amended returnAddress changeName change

Name of foundation
THE BENTON FAMILY FOUNDATION

Number and street (or P.O. box number if mail is not delivered to street address)8818 STABLE CREST BOULEVARD Room/suite

City or town, state, and ZIP code
HOUSTON, TX77024

A Employer identification number

76-0537349

B Telephone number (see page 10 of the instructions)

(713) 680-8280

C If exemption application is pending, check here bullet

D 1. Foreign organizations, check here . bullet

H Check type of organization: Section 501(c)(3) exempt private foundation
Section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trustOther taxable private foundation 2. Foreign organizations meeting the 85% test,
check here and attach computation bullet

I Fair market value of all assets at end
of year (from Part II, col. (c),
line 16) bullet

$158,789J Accounting method: Cash Accrual
Other (specify)
(Part I, column (d) must be on cash basis.)

E If private foundation status was terminated
under section 507(b)(1)(A), check here bullet

F If the foundation is in a 60-month termination
under section 507(b)(1)(B), check here bullet

	Analysis of Revenue and Expenses (The total of amounts in columns (b), (c), and (d) may not necessarily equal the amounts in column (a) (see page 11 of the instructions).)	(a) Revenue and expenses per books		(b) Net investment income	(d) Disbursements for charitable purposes (cash basis only)


1	Contributions, gifts, grants, etc., received (attach schedule)
2	Check
3	Interest on savings and temporary cash investments
4	Dividends and interest from securities......	2,736		2,736
5a	Gross rents..............
b	Net rental income or (loss)
6a	Net gain or (loss) from sale of assets not on line 10		3,871
b	Gross sales price for all assets on line 6a 59,172
7	Capital gain net income (from Part IV, line 2)...			3,871
8	Net short-term capital gain.........
9	Income modifications...........
10a	Gross sales less returns and allowances
b	Less: Cost of goods sold....
c	Gross profit or (loss) (attach schedule).....
11	Other income (attach schedule).......
12	Total. Add lines 1 through 11........	6,607		6,607
13	Compensation of officers, directors, trustees, etc.	0		0	0
14	Other employee salaries and wages......
15	Pension plans, employee benefits.......
16a	Legal fees (attach schedule).........
b	Accounting fees (attach schedule).......		1,942	1,942	0
c	Other professional fees (attach schedule)....		1,529	1,529	0
17	Interest...............
18	Taxes (attach schedule) (see page 14 of the instructions)		17	17	0
19	Depreciation (attach schedule) and depletion...
20	Occupancy..............
21	Travel, conferences, and meetings.......
22	Printing and publications..........
23	Other expenses (attach schedule).......		16	16	0
24	Total operating and administrative expenses.
	Add lines 13 through 23..........	3,504		3,504	0
25	Contributions, gifts, grants paid........	6,600			6,600
26	Total expenses and disbursements. Add lines 24 and 25	10,104		3,504	6,600
27	Subtract line 26 from line 12:
a	Excess of revenue over expenses and disbursements	-3,497
b	Net investment income (if negative, enter -0-)			3,103
c	Adjusted net income (if negative, enter -0-)...

For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see page 30 of the instructions.

Cat. No. 11289X Form 990-PF (2010)

Form 990-PF (2010)

Page 2

Part II		Balance Sheets	Beginning of year	End of year
Part II		Balance Sheets	(a) Book Value	(b) Book Value	(c) Fair Market Value
	1	Cash—non-interest-bearing...............	7,450	10,539	10,539
	2	Savings and temporary cash investments..........
	3	Accounts receivable
		Less: allowance for doubtful accounts
	4	Pledges receivable
		Less: allowance for doubtful accounts
	5	Grants receivable.................
	6	Receivables due from officers, directors, trustees, and other
		disqualified persons (attach schedule) (see page 15 of the
		instructions)....................
	7	Other notes and loans receivable (attach schedule)
		Less: allowance for doubtful accounts
	8	Inventories for sale or use...............
	9	Prepaid expenses and deferred charges...........
	10a	Investments—U.S. and state government obligations (attach schedule)
	b	Investments—corporate stock (attach schedule)........	121,702	115,116	148,250
	c	Investments—corporate bonds (attach schedule)........
	11	Investments—land, buildings, and equipment: basis
		Less: accumulated depreciation (attach schedule)
	12	Investments—mortgage loans..............
	13	Investments—other (attach schedule)...........
	14	Land, buildings, and equipment: basis
		Less: accumulated depreciation (attach schedule)
	15	Other assets (describe )
	16	Total assets (to be completed by all filers—see the
		instructions. Also, see page 1, item I)	129,152	125,655	158,789
	17	Accounts payable and accrued expenses..........
	18	Grants payable...................
	19	Deferred revenue..................
	20	Loans from officers, directors, trustees, and other disqualified persons
	21	Mortgages and other notes payable (attach schedule)......
	22	Other liabilities (describe )
	23	Total liabilities (add lines 17 through 22)..........	0	0
		Foundations that follow SFAS 117, check here
		and complete lines 24 through 26 and lines 30 and 31.
	24	Unrestricted....................
	25	Temporarily restricted................
	26	Permanently restricted................
		Foundations that do not follow SFAS 117, check here
		and complete lines 27 through 31.
	27	Capital stock, trust principal, or current funds.........	26,754	26,754
	28	Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, bldg., and equipment fund	0	0
	29	Retained earnings, accumulated income, endowment, or other funds	102,398	98,901
	30	Total net assets or fund balances (see page 17 of the
		instructions)....................	129,152	125,655
	31	Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances (see page 17 of
		the instructions)..................	129,152	125,655

Part III	Analysis of Changes in Net Assets or Fund Balances
1	Total net assets or fund balances at beginning of year—Part II, column (a), line 30 (must agree
	with end-of-year figure reported on prior year’s return)...............	1	129,152
2	Enter amount from Part I, line 27a......................	2	-3,497
3	Other increases not included in line 2 (itemize)	3	0
4	Add lines 1, 2, and 3..........................	4	125,655
5	Decreases not included in line 2 (itemize)	5	0
6	Total net assets or fund balances at end of year (line 4 minus line 5)—Part II, column (b), line 30..	6	125,655

Form 990-PF (2010)

Page 3

Part IV

Capital Gains and Losses for Tax on Investment Income

(a) List and describe the kind(s) of property sold (e.g., real estate, 2-story brick warehouse; or common stock, 200 shs. MLC Co.)		(b) How acquired P—Purchase D—Donation	(c) Date acquired (mo., day, yr.)	(d) Date sold (mo., day, yr.)
1 a	10 AMAZON COM INC COM	P	2008-08-18	2010-01-06
b	10 AMAZON COM INC COM	P	2008-08-08	2010-01-06
c	II AMAZON COM INC COM	P	2008-08-08	2010-01-08
d	3 GOOGLE INC CL A	P	2009-01-07	2010-01-08
e	II BURLINGTON NRTHN	P	2007-05-18	2010-01-25
	5 BURLINGTON NRTHN	P	2007-05-18	2010-01-28
	12 BURLINGTON NRTHN	P	2007-05-18	2010-02-01
	10 VISA INC	P	2008-03-19	2010-02-03
	11 PEPSICO INC	P	2004-01-30	2010-02-04
	11 PEPSICO INC	P	2003-07-10	2010-02-04
	26 SCHLUMBERGERLTD	P	2006-10-16	2010-02-04
	9 DIAGEO PLC SPON ADR	P	2007-02-28	2010-02-04
	13 YUM BRANDS INC COM	P	2008-01-11	2010-02-10
	56 YUM BRANDS INC COM	P	2008-01-04	2010-02-10
	74 GAP INC DELAWARE	P	2010-02-10	2010-07-22
	90 MACY'S INC COM	P	2010-02-04	2010-07-22
	16 US BANCORP	P	2008-03-27	2010-07-23
	59 US BANCORP	P	2008-03-19	2010-07-23
	3 BECTON DICKINSON & CO.	P	2007-12-14	2010-07-23
	19 BECTON DICKINSON & CO.	P	2007-12-13	2010-07-23
	25 MEDCO HEALTH SOLUTIONS INC	P	2009-07-09	2010-07-23
	11 APPLE INC	P	2009-06-03	2010-07-28
	3 APPLE INC	P	2004-04-28	2010-07-28
	4 FORD MOTOR CO NEW	P	2010-07-28	2010-10-06
	1 HOME DEPOT INC	P	2009-01-22	2010-10-06
	2 LOWE'S COMPANLES INC	P	2008-10-03	2010-10-06
	1 MCDONALDS CORP	P	2008-10-02	2010-10-06
	1 COSTCO WHOLESALE	P	2006-06-30	2010-10-06
	1 DIAGEO PLC SPON ADR	P	2007-02-28	2010-10-06
	1 HJ HEINZ CO	P	2008-10-24	2010-10-06
	1 PEPSICO INC	P	2003-07-10	2010-10-06
	2 PHILIP MORRIS INTL INC	P	2008-09-17	2010-10-06
	1 WAL-MART STORES INC	P	2008-10-24	2010-10-06
	1 CONOCOPHILLIPS	P	2008-03-04	2010-10-06
	1 EXXON MOBIL CORP	P	2010-01-21	2010-10-06
	1 OCCIDENTAL PETE CORP	P	2008-08-14	2010-10-06
	2 BANK OF AMERICA	P	2003-02-15	2010-10-06
	2 JP MORGAN CHASE & CO	P	2008-10-02	2010-10-06
	1 NORTHERN TR CORP	P	2010-01-21	2010-10-06
	2 WELLS FARGO & CO	P	2008-08-15	2010-10-06
	1 ABBOTT LABS	P	2007-01-05	2010-10-06
	1 AMGENINC	P	2010-01-04	2010-10-06
	2 BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB CO	P	2009-02-12	2010-10-06
	1 GENZYME CORPORATION	P	2008-08-13	2010-10-06
	1 GILEAD SCIENCES INC	P	2010-02-01	2010-10-06
	1 JOHNSON & JOHNSON	P	2007-12-13	2010-10-06
	1 NOVARTIS AG-ADR	P	2008-10-02	2010-10-06
	1 TEVA PHARMACEUTLCAL	P	2009-06-05	2010-10-06
	1 FLUOR CORP NEW COM	P	2008-03-17	2010-10-06
	3 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO	P	2010-07-28	2010-10-06
	1 UNITED PARCEL SERVICE	P	2008-03-06	2010-10-06
	1 UNITED TECHNOLOGLES	P	2008-10-21	2010-10-06
	1 APPLE INC	P	2004-04-28	2010-10-06
	3 CISCO SYS INC	P	2010-02-04	2010-10-06
	1 HEWLETT-PACKARD	P	2009-01-22	2010-10-06
	2 INTEL CORP	P	2010-02-10	2010-10-06
	1 MICROSOFT CORP	P	2003-07-10	2010-10-06
	2 ORACLE CORP	P	2007-11-07	2010-10-06
	1 VISAINC	P	2008-03-19	2010-10-06
	1 BHP BILLITON LTO	P	2009-07-08	2010-10-06
	15 MONSANTO CO NEW DEL COM	P	2009-03-12	2010-10-06
	18 MONSANTO CO NEW	P	2009-01-21	2010-10-06
	24 MORGAN STANLEY	P	2009-07-08	2010-10-06
	61 MORGAN STANLEY	P	2009-03-05	2010-10-06
	35 MORGAN STANLEY	P	2009-03-09	2010-10-06
	161 BANK OF AMERICA	P	2010-02-03	2010-10-26
	14 GILEAD SCIENCES INC	P	2010-02-01	2010-10-27
	11 GILEAD SCIENCES INC	P	2010-01-27	2010-10-27
	36 GILEAD SCLENCES INC	P	2009-01-22	2010-10-27
	57 LOWE'S COMPANLES INC	P	2008-10-03	2010-10-28
	22 LOWE'S COMPANLES INC	P	2008-10-09	2010-10-28
	19 LOWE'S COMPANIES INC	P	2008-10-09	2010-10-29
	40 LOWE'S COMPANIES INC	P	2008-10-09	2010-11-10
	11 CISCO SYS INC	P	2007-01-04	2010-11-11
	14 CISCO SYS INC	P	2007-01-17	2010-11-11
	28 CISCO SYS INC	P	2010-01-22	2010-11-11
	31 CISCO SYS INC	P	2010-02-04	2010-11-11
	31 CISCO SYS INC	P	2007-01-17	2010-11-17
	45 CISCO SYS INC	P	2007-03-02	2010-11-17
	10 GENZYME CORPORATION	P	2008-08-13	2010-11-17
	10 GENZYME CORPORATION	P	2008-09-23	2010-11-17
	26 GENZYME CORPORATION	P	2008-01-08	2010-11-17
	29 VISA INC	P	2008-03-19	2010-12-01
	1 APPLE INC	P	2004-04-28	2010-12-08
	2 ABBOTT LABS	P	2007-01-05	2010-12-08
	2 AMGENINC	P	2010-01-04	2010-12-08
	1 AMAZON COM INC COM	P	2008-08-08	2010-12-08
	3 AMER EXPRESS COMPANY	P	2010-11-10	2010-12-08
	2 BHP BILLITON LTD	P	2009-07-08	2010-12-08
	5 BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB CO	P	2009-02-12	2000-12-08
	2 CATERPILLAR INC	P	2010-11-19	2010-12-08
	1 CHUBB CORP	P	2010-08-03	2010-12-08
	2 CONOCOPHILLIPS	P	2008-03-04	2010-12-08
	2 COSTCO WHOLESALE	P	2006-06-30	2010-12-08
	2 CHEVRON CORP	P	2002-04-24	2010-12-08
	1 DIAGEO PLC SPON ADR	P	2007-03-01	2000-12-08
	1 EMERSON ELEC CO	P	2010-11-03	2010-12-08
	18 FORD MOTOR CO NEW	P	2010-11-03	2010-12-08
	1 FLUOR CORP NEW COM	P	2008-03-17	2010-12-08
	8 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO	P	2010-07-28	2010-12-08
	3 HOME DEPOT INC	P	2009-01-22	2010-12-08
	2 HJ HEINZ CO	P	2008-10-24	2010-12-08
	3 HEWLETT-PACKARD	P	2009-01-22	2010-12-08
	2 INTL BUSINESS MACHINES CORP	P	2007-10-12	2010-12-08
	9 INTELCORP	P	2006-10-11	2010-12-08
	2 JOHNSON & JOHNSON	P	2007-12-13	2008-12-15
	7 JP MORGAN CHASE & CO	P	2008-10-02	2010-12-08
	2 COCA COLA CMN	P	2006-10-18	2010-12-08
	2 KOHL'S CORP	P	2010-12-02	2010-12-08
	3 MCDONALDS CORP	P	2008-10-15	2010-12-08
	9 MICROSOFT CORP	P	2010-11-04	2010-12-08
	3 NORTHERN TR CORP	P	2010-01-21	2010-12-08
	2 NOVARTIS AG-ADR	P	2008-10-02	2010-12-08
	4 ORACLE CORP	P	2007-11-07	2010-12-08
	3 ORACLE CORP	P	2009-07-08	2010-12-08
	4 OCCIDENTAL PETE CORP	P	2008-08-14	2010-12-08
	1 PEPSICO INC	P	2003-07-10	2010-12-08
	6 PFIZER INC	P	2010-11-04	2010-12-08
	5 PHILIP MORRIS INTL INC	P	2008-09-17	2010-12-08
	2 STARBUCKS CORP	P	2010-11-08	2010-12-08
	3 TEVA PHARMACEUTICAL	P	2009-06-05	2010-12-08
	1 TRAVELERS COMPANIES COM	P	2010-11-03	2010-12-08
	1 UNITED PARCEL SERVICE	P	2008-03-06	2010-12-08
	2 UNITED TECHNOLOGIES	P	2008-10-21	2010-12-08
	2 VISA INC	P	2008-03-19	2010-12-08
	7 WELLS FARGO & CO	P	2008-08-15	2010-12-08
	4 WAL-MART STORES INC	P	2008-10-24	2010-12-08
	4 EXXON MOBIL CORP	P	2003-09-24	2010-12-08
	3 VISA INC	P	2008-03-19	2010-12-22
	28 VISA INC	P	2009-04-08	2010-12-22
	9 VISA INC	P	2009-03-05	2010-12-22

(e) Gross sales price		(g) Cost or other basis plus expense of sale	(h) Gain or (loss) (e) plus (f) minus (g)
a	1,325	841	484
b	1,325	791	534
c	1,452	870	582
d	1,800	968	832
e	1,092	1,035	57
	497	470	27
	1,195	1,129	66
	831	590	241
	661	517	144
	661	509	152
	1,651	1,573	78
	581	714	-133
	430	488	-58
	1,851	2,048	-197
	1,350	1,472	-122
	1,716	1,514	202
	379	537	-158
	1,397	1,957	-560
	200	250	-50
	1,265	1,569	-304
	1,253	1,196	57
	2,880	1,540	1,340
	786	40	746
	53	52	1
	32	22	10
	45	45	0
	75	62	13
	65	57	8
	70	79	-9
	48	40	8
	68	46	22
	114	104	10
	54	51	3
	59	80	-21
	64	67	-3
	83	77	6
	27	31	-4
	80	98	-18
	49	54	-5
	52	60	-8
	53	50	3
	55	58	-3
	54	44	10
	72	80	-8
	35	48	-13
	63	68	-5
	58	52	6
	53	48	5
	52	62	-10
	51	48	3
	68	72	-4
	73	51	22
	288	13	275
	67	71	-4
	41	35	6
	38	40	-2
	24	27	-3
	55	45	10
	74	59	15
	80	50	30
	734	1,193	-459
	881	1,392	-511
	609	608	1
	1,547	1,086	461
	888	589	299
	1,821	2,517	-696
	550	673	-123
	432	527	-95
	1,414	1,750	-336
	1,216	1,279	-63
	470	413	57
	405	357	48
	857	752	105
	228	309	-81
	290	386	-96
	581	650	-69
	643	730	-87
	607	855	-248
	881	1,153	-272
	697	805	-108
	697	774	-77
	1,813	2,000	-187
	2,179	1,710	469
	320	13	307
	93	100	-7
	107	115	-8
	176	79	97
	136	130	6
	175	100	75
	128	110	18
	179	167	12
	59	53	6
	129	161	-32
	138	114	24
	172	86	86
	73	78	-5
	56	54	2
	298	272	26
	61	62	-1
	136	128	8
	102	65	37
	99	79	20
	128	105	23
	291	236	55
	197	189	8
	125	135	-10
	281	343	-62
	128	88	40
	108	111	-3
	235	186	49
	244	245	-1
	157	162	-5
	109	104	5
	117	90	27
	88	62	26
	364	307	57
	65	46	19
	100	104	-4
	297	260	37
	65	62	3
	147	144	3
	55	56	-1
	72	72	0
	155	103	52
	156	118	38
	205	210	-5
	218	205	13
	287	149	138
	205	177	28
	1,912	1,608	304
	614	486	128

Complete only for assets showing gain in column (h) and owned by the foundation on 12/31/69			(l) Gains (Col. (h) gain minus col. (k), but not less than -0-) or Losses (from col.(h))
(i) F.M.V. as of 12/31/69	(j) Adjusted basis as of 12/31/69	(k) Excess of col. (i) over col. (j), if any
a			484
b			534
c			582
d			832
e			57
			27
			66
			241
			144
			152
			78
			-133
			-58
			-197
			-122
			202
			-158
			-560
			-50
			-304
			57
			1,340
			746
			1
			10
			0
			13
			8
			-9
			8
			22
			10
			3
			-21
			-3
			6
			-4
			-18
			-5
			-8
			3
			-3
			10
			-8
			-13
			-5
			6
			5
			-10
			3
			-4
			22
			275
			-4
			6
			-2
			-3
			10
			15
			30
			-459
			-511
			1
			461
			299
			-696
			-123
			-95
			-336
			-63
			57
			48
			105
			-81
			-96
			-69
			-87
			-248
			-272
			-108
			-77
			-187
			469
			307
			-7
			-8
			97
			6
			75
			18
			12
			6
			-32
			24
			86
			-5
			2
			26
			-1
			8
			37
			20
			23
			55
			8
			-10
			-62
			40
			-3
			49
			-1
			-5
			5
			27
			26
			57
			19
			-4
			37
			3
			3
			-1
			0
			52
			38
			-5
			13
			138
			28
			304
			128

2	Capital gain net income or (net capital loss)	If gain, also enter in Part I, line 7 If (loss), enter -0- in Part I, line 7	2	3,871
3	Net short-term capital gain or (loss) as defined in sections 1222(5) and (6):
	If gain, also enter in Part I, line 8, column (c) (see pages 13 and 17 of the instructions). If (loss), enter -0- in Part I, line 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . .		3

Part V

Qualification Under Section 4940(e) for Reduced Tax on Net Investment Income

(For optional use by domestic private foundations subject to the section 4940(a) tax on net investment income.)

If section 4940(d)(2) applies, leave this part blank.

Was the foundation liable for the section 4942 tax on the distributable amount of any year in the base period? Yes No

If “Yes,” the foundation does not qualify under section 4940(e). Do not complete this part.

1 Enter the appropriate amount in each column for each year; see page 18 of the instructions before making any entries.
(a) Base period years Calendar year (or tax year beginning in)	(b) Adjusted qualifying distributions	(c) Net value of noncharitable-use assets	(d) Distribution ratio (col. (b) divided by col. (c))
2009	8,400	137,284	0.061187
2008	11,000	177,661	0.061916
2007	8,000	212,156	0.037708
2006	11,000	203,459	0.054065
2005	8,200	190,175	0.043118

2	Total of line 1, column (d) ......................	2	0.257994
3	Average distribution ratio for the 5-year base period—divide the total on line 2 by 5, or by the number of years the foundation has been in existence if less than 5 years. . .	3	0.051599
4	Enter the net value of noncharitable-use assets for 2010 from Part X, line 5.....	4	149,890
5	Multiply line 4 by line 3.......................	5	7,734
6	Enter 1% of net investment income (1% of Part I, line 27b)...........	6	31
7	Add lines 5 and 6.........................	7	7,765
8	Enter qualifying distributions from Part XII, line 4..............	8	6,600
If line 8 is equal to or greater than line 7, check the box in Part VI, line 1b, and complete that part using a 1% tax rate. See the Part VI instructions on page 18.

Form 990-PF (2010)

Page 4

Part VI

Excise Tax Based on Investment Income (Section 4940(a), 4940(b), 4940(e), or 4948—see page 18 of the instructions)

1a	Exempt operating foundations described in section 4940(d)(2), check hereand enter “N/A” on line 1.
	Date of ruling or determination letter: (attach copy of letter if necessary–see instructions)
b	Domestic foundations that meet the section 4940(e) requirements in Part V, check	1	62
	hereand enter 1% of Part I, line 27b...................
c	All other domestic foundations enter 2% of line 27b. Exempt foreign organizations enter 4% of Part I, line 12, col. (b)
2	Tax under section 511 (domestic section 4947(a)(1) trusts and taxable foundations only. Others enter -0-)	2	0
3	Add lines 1 and 2............................	3	62
4	Subtitle A (income) tax (domestic section 4947(a)(1) trusts and taxable foundations only. Others enter -0-).	4	0
5	Tax based on investment income. Subtract line 4 from line 3. If zero or less, enter -0- .....	5	62
6	Credits/Payments:

a	2010 estimated tax payments and 2009 overpayment credited to 2010	6a	99
b	Exempt foreign organizations—tax withheld at source.......	6b
c	Tax paid with application for extension of time to file (Form 8868)	6c
d	Backup withholding erroneously withheld ...........	6d

7	Total credits and payments. Add lines 6a through 6d..............		7	99
8	Enter any penalty for underpayment of estimated tax. Check hereif Form 2220 is attached.		8
9	Tax due. If the total of lines 5 and 8 is more than line 7, enter amount owed.......		9
10	Overpayment. If line 7 is more than the total of lines 5 and 8, enter the amount overpaid...		10	37
11	Enter the amount of line 10 to be: Credited to 2011 estimated tax37	Refunded	11	0

Part VII-A

Statements Regarding Activities

During the tax year, did the foundation attempt to influence any national, state, or local legislation or did

Yes

it participate or intervene in any political campaign? ....................

Did it spend more than $100 during the year (either directly or indirectly) for political purposes (see page 19 of

the instructions for definition)?.............................

If the answer is “Yes” to 1a or 1b, attach a detailed description of the activities and copies of any materials

published or distributed by the foundation in connection with the activities.

Did the foundation file Form 1120-POL for this year?.....................

Enter the amount (if any) of tax on political expenditures (section 4955) imposed during the year:

(1) On the foundation. bullet

$ 0(2) On foundation managers. bullet

$ 0

Enter the reimbursement (if any) paid by the foundation during the year for political expenditure tax imposed

on foundation managers. bullet

$ 0

Has the foundation engaged in any activities that have not previously been reported to the IRS?.......

If “Yes,” attach a detailed description of the activities.

Has the foundation made any changes, not previously reported to the IRS, in its governing instrument, articles

of incorporation, or bylaws, or other similar instruments? If “Yes,” attach a conformed copy of the changes....

Did the foundation have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year?........

If “Yes,” has it filed a tax return on Form 990-T for this year?...................

Was there a liquidation, termination, dissolution, or substantial contraction during the year?.........

If “Yes,” attach the statement required by General Instruction T.

Are the requirements of section 508(e) (relating to sections 4941 through 4945) satisfied either:

By language in the governing instrument, or

By state legislation that effectively amends the governing instrument so that no mandatory directions

that conflict with the state law remain in the governing instrument?................

Yes

Did the foundation have at least $5,000 in assets at any time during the year? If “Yes,” complete Part II, col. (c), and Part XV.

Yes

Enter the states to which the foundation reports or with which it is registered (see page 19 of the

instructions) bullet

If the answer is “Yes” to line 7, has the foundation furnished a copy of Form 990-PF to the Attorney

General (or designate) of each state as required by General Instruction G? If “No,” attach explanation .

Yes

Is the foundation claiming status as a private operating foundation within the meaning of section 4942(j)(3)

or 4942(j)(5) for calendar year 2010 or the taxable year beginning in 2010 (see instructions for Part XIV on

page 27)? If “Yes,” complete Part XIV...........................

Did any persons become substantial contributors during the tax year? If “Yes,” attach a schedule listing their names and addresses.

At any time during the year, did the foundation, directly or indirectly, own a controlled entity within the

meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If "Yes," attach schedule. (see page 20 of the instructions) .......

Did the foundation acquire a direct or indirect interest in any applicable insurance contract before August 17, 2008?

Did the foundation comply with the public inspection requirements for its annual returns and exemption application?

Yes

Website address bullet

N/A

The books are in care of bullet

F FOX BENTON III Telephone no. bullet

(713) 680-8280

Located at bullet

8818 STABLE CREST BLVDHOUSTONTX ZIP+4 bullet

77024

Section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts filing Form 990-PF in lieu of Form 1041 —Check here......... bullet

and enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the year ...... bullet

At any time during calendar year 2010, did the foundation have an interest in or a signature or other authority over

a bank, securities, or other financial account in a foreign country? .................

See page 20 of the instructions for exceptions and filing requirements for Form TD F 90-22.1. If "Yes", enter the name of the foreign country bullet

Form 990-PF (2010)

Page 5

Part VII-B

Statements Regarding Activities for Which Form 4720 May Be Required

File Form 4720 if any item is checked in the “Yes” column, unless an exception applies.

Yes

During the year did the foundation (either directly or indirectly):

(1) Engage in the sale or exchange, or leasing of property with a disqualified person? YesNo

(2) Borrow money from, lend money to, or otherwise extend credit to (or accept it from)

a disqualified person?.........................YesNo

(3) Furnish goods, services, or facilities to (or accept them from) a disqualified person? YesNo

(4) Pay compensation to, or pay or reimburse the expenses of, a disqualified person? YesNo

(5) Transfer any income or assets to a disqualified person (or make any of either available

for the benefit or use of a disqualified person)?.................YesNo

(6) Agree to pay money or property to a government official? (Exception. Check “No”

if the foundation agreed to make a grant to or to employ the official for a period

after termination of government service, if terminating within 90 days.).........YesNo

If any answer is “Yes” to 1a(1)–(6), did any of the acts fail to qualify under the exceptions described in Regulations

section 53.4941(d)-3 or in a current notice regarding disaster assistance (see page 20 of the instructions)?...

Organizations relying on a current notice regarding disaster assistance check here......... bullet

Did the foundation engage in a prior year in any of the acts described in 1a, other than excepted acts,

that were not corrected before the first day of the tax year beginning in 2010?.............

Taxes on failure to distribute income (section 4942) (does not apply for years the foundation was a private

operating foundation defined in section 4942(j)(3) or 4942(j)(5)):

At the end of tax year 2010, did the foundation have any undistributed income (lines 6d

and 6e, Part XIII) for tax year(s) beginning before 2010?...............YesNo

If “Yes,” list the years bullet

20, 20, 20, 20

Are there any years listed in 2a for which the foundation is not applying the provisions of section 4942(a)(2)

(relating to incorrect valuation of assets) to the year’s undistributed income? (If applying section 4942(a)(2)

to all years listed, answer “No” and attach statement—see page 20 of the instructions.) .........

If the provisions of section 4942(a)(2) are being applied to any of the years listed in 2a, list the years here.

20, 20, 20, 20

Did the foundation hold more than a 2% direct or indirect interest in any business

enterprise at any time during the year?.....................YesNo

If “Yes,” did it have excess business holdings in 2010 as a result of (1) any purchase by the foundation

or disqualified persons after May 26, 1969; (2) the lapse of the 5-year period (or longer period approved

by the Commissioner under section 4943(c)(7)) to dispose of holdings acquired by gift or bequest; or (3)

the lapse of the 10-, 15-, or 20-year first phase holding period? (Use Schedule C, Form 4720, to determine

if the foundation had excess business holdings in 2010.)....................

Did the foundation invest during the year any amount in a manner that would jeopardize its charitable purposes?

Did the foundation make any investment in a prior year (but after December 31, 1969) that could jeopardize its

charitable purpose that had not been removed from jeopardy before the first day of the tax year beginning in 2010?

During the year did the foundation pay or incur any amount to:

(1) Carry on propaganda, or otherwise attempt to influence legislation (section 4945(e))? YesNo

(2) Influence the outcome of any specific public election (see section 4955); or to carry

on, directly or indirectly, any voter registration drive?...............YesNo

(3) Provide a grant to an individual for travel, study, or other similar purposes? YesNo

(4) Provide a grant to an organization other than a charitable, etc., organization described

in section 509(a)(1), (2), or (3), or section 4940(d)(2)? (see page 22 of the instructions)...YesNo

(5) Provide for any purpose other than religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or

educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals?........YesNo

If any answer is “Yes” to 5a(1)–(5), did any of the transactions fail to qualify under the exceptions described in

Regulations section 53.4945 or in a current notice regarding disaster assistance (see page 22 of the instructions)?

Organizations relying on a current notice regarding disaster assistance check here......... bullet

If the answer is “Yes” to question 5a(4), does the foundation claim exemption from the

tax because it maintained expenditure responsibility for the grant?............YesNo

If “Yes,” attach the statement required by Regulations section 53.4945–5(d).

Did the foundation, during the year, receive any funds, directly or indirectly, to pay

premiums on a personal benefit contract?....................YesNo

Did the foundation, during the year, pay premiums, directly or indirectly, on a personal benefit contract?....

If “Yes” to 6b, file Form 8870.

At any time during the tax year, was the foundation a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction? YesNo

If yes, did the foundation receive any proceeds or have any net income attributable to the transaction? ....

Form 990-PF (2010)

Page 6

Part VIII

Information About Officers, Directors, Trustees, Foundation Managers, Highly Paid Employees,
and Contractors

1 List all officers, directors, trustees, foundation managers and their compensation (see page 22 of the instructions).
(a) Name and address	(b) Title, and average hours per week devoted to position	(c) Compensation (If not paid, enter -0-)	(d) Contributions to employee benefit plans and deferred compensation	(e) Expense account, other allowances
LIZINKA M BENTON	VP/SECRETARY 0.00	0	0	0
3395 DEL MONTE DR HOUSTON,TX77019	VP/SECRETARY 0.00	0	0	0
F FOX BENTON III	VP 0.00	0	0	0
8818 STABLE CREST BLVD HOUSTON,TX77024	VP 0.00	0	0	0

2 Compensation of five highest-paid employees (other than those included on line 1—see page 23 of the instructions). If none, enter “NONE.”
(a) Name and address of each employee paid more than $50,000	(b) Title, and average hours per week devoted to position	(c) Compensation	(d) Contributions to employee benefit plans and deferred compensation	(e) Expense account, other allowances
NONE









Total number of other employees paid over $50,000...................				0

3 Five highest-paid independent contractors for professional services (see page 23 of the instructions). If none, enter "NONE".
(a) Name and address of each person paid more than $50,000	(b) Type of service	(c) Compensation
NONE

Total number of others receiving over $50,000 for professional services............. bullet

Part IX-A

Summary of Direct Charitable Activities

List the foundation’s four largest direct charitable activities during the tax year. Include relevant statistical information such as the number of organizations and other beneficiaries served, conferences convened, research papers produced, etc.		Expenses
1


2


3


4

Form 990-PF (2010)

Page 7

Part IX-B

Summary of Program-Related Investments (see page 23 of the instructions)

Describe the two largest program-related investments made by the foundation during the tax year on lines 1 and 2.		Amount
1


2


All other program-related investments. See page 24 of the instructions.
3

Total. Add lines 1 through 3........................... bullet

Part X

Minimum Investment Return (All domestic foundations must complete this part. Foreign foundations,
see page 24 of the instructions.)

Fair market value of assets not used (or held for use) directly in carrying out charitable, etc.,

purposes:

Average monthly fair market value of securities...................

145,509

Average of monthly cash balances.......................

6,664

Fair market value of all other assets (see page 24 of the instructions)............

Total (add lines 1a, b, and c).........................

152,173

Reduction claimed for blockage or other factors reported on lines 1a and

1c (attach detailed explanation) ..............

Acquisition indebtedness applicable to line 1 assets..................

Subtract line 2 from line 1d..........................

152,173

Cash deemed held for charitable activities. Enter 1 1⁄2% of line 3 (for greater amount, see page 25

of the instructions) ............................

2,283

Net value of noncharitable-use assets. Subtract line 4 from line 3. Enter here and on Part V, line 4

149,890

Minimum investment return. Enter 5% of line 5...................

7,495

Part XI

Distributable Amount (see page 25 of the instructions) (Section 4942(j)(3) and (j)(5) private operating foundations and certain foreign organizations check here bullet

and do not complete this part.)

Minimum investment return from Part X, line 6....................

7,495

Tax on investment income for 2010 from Part VI, line 5......

Income tax for 2010. (This does not include the tax from Part VI.)...

Add lines 2a and 2b............................

Distributable amount before adjustments. Subtract line 2c from line 1............

7,433

Recoveries of amounts treated as qualifying distributions................

Add lines 3 and 4.............................

7,433

Deduction from distributable amount (see page 25 of the instructions)...........

Distributable amount as adjusted. Subtract line 6 from line 5. Enter here and on Part XIII,

line 1.................................

7,433

Part XII

Qualifying Distributions (see page 25 of the instructions)

Amounts paid (including administrative expenses) to accomplish charitable, etc., purposes:

Expenses, contributions, gifts, etc.—total from Part I, column (d), line 26 ..........

6,600

Program-related investments—total from Part IX-B..................

Amounts paid to acquire assets used (or held for use) directly in carrying out charitable, etc.,

purposes................................

Amounts set aside for specific charitable projects that satisfy the:

Suitability test (prior IRS approval required)....................

Cash distribution test (attach the required schedule) .................

Qualifying distributions. Add lines 1a through 3b. Enter here and on Part V, line 8, and Part XIII, line 4

6,600

Foundations that qualify under section 4940(e) for the reduced rate of tax on net investment

income. Enter 1% of Part I, line 27b (see page 26 of the instructions)............

Adjusted qualifying distributions. Subtract line 5 from line 4...............

6,600

Note: The amount on line 6 will be used in Part V, column (b), in subsequent years when calculating whether the foundation qualifies for
the section 4940(e) reduction of tax in those years.

Form 990-PF (2010)

Page 8

Part XIII

Undistributed Income (see page 26 of the instructions)

	(a) Corpus	(b) Years prior to 2009	(c) 2009	(d) 2010
1 Distributable amount for 2010 from Part XI, line 7				7,433
2 Undistributed income, if any, as of the end of 2010:
a Enter amount for 2009 only.......			6,523
b Total for prior years:20, 20, 20		0
3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2010:
a From 2005.......
b From 2006.......
c From 2007.......
d From 2008.......
e From 2009.......
fTotal of lines 3a through e.........	0
4Qualifying distributions for 2010 from Part
XII, line 4: $ 6,600
a Applied to 2009, but not more than line 2a			6,523
b Applied to undistributed income of prior years (Election required—see page 26 of the instructions)		0
c Treated as distributions out of corpus (Election required—see page 26 of the instructions)...	0
d Applied to 2010 distributable amount.....				77
e Remaining amount distributed out of corpus	0
5 Excess distributions carryover applied to 2010.	0			0
(If an amount appears in column (d), the same amount must be shown in column (a).)
6Enter the net total of each column as indicated below:
a Corpus. Add lines 3f, 4c, and 4e. Subtract line 5	0
b Prior years’ undistributed income. Subtract line 4b from line 2b ...........		0
c Enter the amount of prior years’ undistributed income for which a notice of deficiency has been issued, or on which the section 4942(a) tax has been previously assessed......		0
d Subtract line 6c from line 6b. Taxable amount—see page 27 of the instructions ...		0
e Undistributed income for 2009. Subtract line 4a from line 2a. Taxable amount—see page 27 of the instructions ...........			0
f Undistributed income for 2010. Subtract lines 4d and 5 from line 1. This amount must be distributed in 2011 ..........				7,356
7 Amounts treated as distributions out of corpus to satisfy requirements imposed by section 170(b)(1)(F) or 4942(g)(3) (see page 27 of the instructions) ...........	0
8Excess distributions carryover from 2005 not applied on line 5 or line 7 (see page 27 of the instructions) .............	0
9Excess distributions carryover to 2011. Subtract lines 7 and 8 from line 6a ......	0
10 Analysis of line 9:
a Excess from 2006....
b Excess from 2007....
c Excess from 2008....
d Excess from 2009....
e Excess from 2010....

Form 990-PF (2010)

Page 9

Part XIV

Private Operating Foundations (see page 27 of the instructions and Part VII-A, question 9)

1a If the foundation has received a ruling or determination letter that it is a private operating
foundation, and the ruling is effective for 2010, enter the date of the ruling....... bullet

b Check box to indicate whether the organization is a private operating foundation described in section4942(j)(3) or4942(j)(5)

2a Enter the lesser of the adjusted net income from Part I or the minimum investment return from Part X for each year listed ..........	Tax year	Prior 3 years			(e) Total
	(a) 2010	(b) 2009	(c) 2008	(d) 2007	(e) Total

b 85% of line 2a .........
c Qualifying distributions from Part XII, line 4 for each year listed .....
d Amounts included in line 2c not used directly for active conduct of exempt activities ....
e Qualifying distributions made directly for active conduct of exempt activities. Subtract line 2d from line 2c ....
3 Complete 3a, b, or c for the alternative test relied upon:
a “Assets” alternative test—enter:
(1) Value of all assets ......
(2) Value of assets qualifying under section 4942(j)(3)(B)(i)
b “Endowment” alternative test— enter 2⁄3 of minimum investment return shown in Part X, line 6 for each year listed...
c “Support” alternative test—enter:
(1) Total support other than gross investment income (interest, dividends, rents, payments on securities loans (section 512(a)(5)), or royalties) ....
(2) Support from general public and 5 or more exempt organizations as provided in section 4942(j)(3)(B)(iii)....
(3) Largest amount of support from an exempt organization
(4) Gross investment income

Part XV

Supplementary Information (Complete this part only if the organization had $5,000 or more in
assets at any time during the year—see page 27 of the instructions.)

1Information Regarding Foundation Managers:

aList any managers of the foundation who have contributed more than 2% of the total contributions received by the foundation
before the close of any tax year (but only if they have contributed more than $5,000). (See section 507(d)(2).)

LIZINKA M BENTON

bList any managers of the foundation who own 10% or more of the stock of a corporation (or an equally large portion of the
ownership of a partnership or other entity) of which the foundation has a 10% or greater interest.

2Information Regarding Contribution, Grant, Gift, Loan, Scholarship, etc., Programs:

Check here bullet

if the foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept
unsolicited requests for funds. If the foundation makes gifts, grants, etc. (see page 28 of the instructions) to individuals or organizations
under other conditions, complete items 2a, b, c, and d.

aThe name, address, and telephone number of the person to whom applications should be addressed:

bThe form in which applications should be submitted and information and materials they should include:

cAny submission deadlines:

dAny restrictions or limitations on awards, such as by geographical areas, charitable fields, kinds of institutions, or other
factors:

Form 990-PF (2010)

Page 10

Part XV

Supplementary Information (continued)

3 Grants and Contributions Paid During the Year or Approved for Future Payment
Recipient	If recipient is an individual, show any relationship to any foundation manager or substantial contributor	Foundation status of recipient	Purpose of grant or contribution	Amount
Name and address (home or business)		Foundation status of recipient	Purpose of grant or contribution	Amount
aPaid during the year
HOUSTON BOTANIC GARDEN PO BOX 27510 HOUSTON,TX77027	NONE	501(C)(3)	PLANT CONSERVATION & CULTIVATION	1,650
TRUE COLORS INC 576 FARMINGTON AVE HARTFORD,CT06105	NONE	501(C)(3)	EQUAL RIGHTS FOR SAME SEX COUPLES	1,650
THE PARISH SCHOOL 11001 HAMMERLY BLVD HOUSTON,TX77043	NONE	501(C)(3)	EDUCATION OF CHILDREN WITH LEARNING AND LANGUAGE DIFFERENCES	1,650
THE CHINQUAPIN SCHOOL 2615 EAST WALLISVILLE ROAD HIGHLANDS,TX77562	NONE	501(C)(3)	PROVIDES COLLEGE PREPATORY EDUCATION TO LOW INCOME YOUTH	1,650
Total ................................. 3a				6,600

bApproved for future payment

Total .................................. 3b				0

Form 990-PF (2010)

Page 11

Part XVI-A

Analysis of Income-Producing Activities

Enter gross amounts unless otherwise indicated.	Unrelated business income		Excluded by section 512, 513, or 514		(e) Related or exempt function income (See page 28 of the instructions.)
1Program service revenue:	(a) Business code	(b) Amount	(c) Exclusion code	(d) Amount
a
b
c
d
e
f
gFees and contracts from government agencies
2 Membership dues and assessments....
3Interest on savings and temporary cash investments
4 Dividends and interest from securities....			14	2,736
5 Net rental income or (loss) from real estate:
aDebt-financed property......
bNot debt-financed property.....
6Net rental income or (loss) from personal property
7 Other investment income.....
8Gain or (loss) from sales of assets other than inventory			18	3,871
9 Net income or (loss) from special events:
10 Gross profit or (loss) from sales of inventory..
11 Other revenue: a
b
c
d
e
12 Subtotal. Add columns (b), (d), and (e)..		0		6,607	0

13Total. Add line 12, columns (b), (d), and (e)...................

136,607

(See worksheet in line 13 instructions on page 28 to verify calculations.)

Part XVI-B

Relationship of Activities to the Accomplishment of Exempt Purposes

Line No.	Explain below how each activity for which income is reported in column (e) of Part XVI-A contributed importantly to the accomplishment of the organization’s exempt purposes (other than by providing funds for such purposes). (See page 28 of the instructions.)

Form 990-PF (2010)

Page 12

Part XVII

Information Regarding Transfers To and Transactions and Relationships With Noncharitable Exempt Organizations

Did the organization directly or indirectly engage in any of the following with any other organization described in section

Yes

501(c) of the Code (other than section 501(c)(3) organizations) or in section 527, relating to political organizations?

Transfers from the reporting foundation to a noncharitable exempt organization of:

(1) Cash....................................

1a(1)

(2) Other assets.................................

1a(2)

Other transactions:

(1) Sales of assets to a noncharitable exempt organization....................

1b(1)

(2) Purchases of assets from a noncharitable exempt organization..................

1b(2)

(3) Rental of facilities, equipment, or other assets.......................

1b(3)

(4) Reimbursement arrangements............................

1b(4)

(5) Loans or loan guarantees..............................

1b(5)

(6) Performance of services or membership or fundraising solicitations................

1b(6)

Sharing of facilities, equipment, mailing lists, other assets, or paid employees..............

If the answer to any of the above is “Yes,” complete the following schedule. Column (b) should always show the fair market value
of the goods, other assets, or services given by the reporting foundation. If the foundation received less than fair market value
in any transaction or sharing arrangement, show in column (d) the value of the goods, other assets, or services received.

(a) Line No.	(b) Amount involved	(c) Name of noncharitable exempt organization	(d) Description of transfers, transactions, and sharing arrangements

Is the foundation directly or indirectly affiliated with, or related to, one or more tax-exempt organizations
described in section 501(c) of the Code (other than section 501(c)(3)) or in section 527?...........YesNo

If “Yes,” complete the following schedule.

(a) Name of organization	(b) Type of organization	(c) Description of relationship

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than taxpayer or fiduciary) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.

	Signature of officer or trustee	Date	Title

Preparer's Signature	Date	Check if self- employed	PTIN
Firm's name Firm's address		Firm's EIN
		Phone no.

Form 990-PF (2010)

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

Form 990PF - Special Condition Description:

Special Condition Description

- TIN:

TY 2010 AccountingFeesSchedule

Name:

THE BENTON FAMILY FOUNDATION

EIN: 76-0537349

Category	Amount	Net Investment Income	Adjusted Net Income	Disbursements for Charitable Purposes
ACCOUNTING FEES	1,942	1,942		0

- TIN:

TY 2010 InvestmentsCorpStockSchedule

Name:

THE BENTON FAMILY FOUNDATION

EIN: 76-0537349

Name of Stock	End of Year Book Value	End of Year Fair Market Value
MARKETABLE SECURITIES	115,116	148,250

- TIN:

TY 2010 OtherExpensesSchedule

Name:

THE BENTON FAMILY FOUNDATION

EIN: 76-0537349

Description	Revenue and Expenses per Books	Net Investment Income	Adjusted Net Income	Disbursements for Charitable Purposes
OTHER EXPENSES	16	16		0

- TIN:

TY 2010 OtherProfessionalFeesSchedule

Name:

THE BENTON FAMILY FOUNDATION

EIN: 76-0537349

Category	Amount	Net Investment Income	Adjusted Net Income	Disbursements for Charitable Purposes
AVALON ADVISORS	1,529	1,529		0

- TIN:

TY 2010 TaxesSchedule

Name:

THE BENTON FAMILY FOUNDATION

EIN: 76-0537349

Category	Amount	Net Investment Income	Adjusted Net Income	Disbursements for Charitable Purposes
FOREIGN TAXES PAID	17	17		0