The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation is an independent foundation established in 1944 by Michael and Sarah Benedum, natives respectively of Bridgeport and Blacksville, West Virginia.  They named the Foundation in memory of their only child, Claude Worthington Benedum, who died in 1918 at age 20.  The Benedums expressed the wish that grantmaking be focused in West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania, their native and adopted homes. 

The Benedum Foundation seeks to promote successful learning throughout the educational system, from pre-kindergarten for 4 year olds to post-secondary education for adults. The overarching objective is a seamless system of preparation of a competitive 21st century workforce, with an expected outcome of academic achievement.