About us
The Bella Vista Foundation (The Foundation) is a public benefit and charitable corporation. The Foundation is recognized under the Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)3 as a not-for-profit corporation, which allows for tax-deductible donations to be received. Its primary purpose is to provide support, financial and otherwise, to enhance the Bella Vista community, including but not limited to its amenities, facilities, recreation activities, community events and programs.
The Foundation was formed by community leaders to help members of the community and others marshall resources and make a difference in our community and the causes they care about. We partner with many individuals, businesses, organizations, and public entities to achieve these goals.
Board of Directors
President - Ann Dahlke
Vice President - Charles Teal
Secretary - Jayne Lowe
Treasurer - Stu Sorensen
Member - Katy Henkel
Member - Steven Hughes
Member - Bob Kronner
Member - Linda Lloyd
Member - Peggy Pfiefer
Member - Carrie Wilson
Associate - Bob Brooks
Associate - Bill Long
Associate - Tom Pyatt
How We Function
The Foundation solicits and accepts contributions and donations, financial and otherwise, from individuals, businesses, organizations, and corporations. These resources are then used to enhance the Bella Vista community, including but not limited to its amenities, facilities, recreation activities, community events and programs. Foundation donors may deduct their contributions from their federal and state taxes in accord with the IRS code 501(c)3.
The Foundation solicits proposals from other entities to provide support for programs and activities consistent with the stated purpose of the Foundation, and which enhance the Bella Vista community.
Grants may be for purposes initiated by the Foundation or proposed by other entities. The Foundation will monitor the use of its grants and recipient reporting is required.
The Foundation is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors. The officers of the corporation include a president (Ann Dahlke), vice-president (Charles Teal), secretary (Jayne Lowe), and treasurer (Stu Sorensen). The Board of Directors is responsible for the administration of assets, and for conversion of assets of one type to another type. The Board is solely responsible for the control and use of the assets, but suggestions are welcomed.
Funding
The Bella Vista Foundation, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, accepts and encourages donations, large and small, financial and otherwise, which will be used for the advancement of the purposes of the Foundation. All such donations may be claimed by the donor as a charitable contribution and therefore deductible from income taxes to the extent authorized by law.
Donations
Contributions from the following sources are encouraged:Individuals - Individuals may contribute property, cash, checks and other financial instruments in any amount. The Foundation has the ability to aggregate smaller donations to provide a larger financial resource, which can support a larger-scale project in the community.
Testamentary Bequests - Provision may be made in wills and trusts for contributions to the Foundation. In addition, memorial gifts are encouraged.
Organizations and Businesses - Many organizations and businesses provide contributions to various causes in the community. Giving to the Foundation provides an opportunity for aggregating several such donations and ensuring the proper oversight of the funds.
Estate Planning - The use, conservation, and transfer of one's assets should always include a
well-thought-out estate plan that takes into consideration: (1) The increase in value of an existing estate so that
the needs of the family are met; (2) The preservation and protection of the estate from unnecessary taxes and costs;
and (3) The orderly administration and disposition of assets upon the death of the owner. The Foundation provides
the infrastructure to manage gifts such as charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts and endowment funds.
While donors cannot directly control the use of the funds once donated (according to IRS rules) suggestions for
the use of such funds are welcome.
Grants
Application for Grant – The Foundation accepts and considers written applications for grants that are consistent with its purpose. In addition, the Foundation may initiate discussions with prospective grantees and encourage them to apply for a grant. The Foundation encourages applicants to initiate a contact for preliminary exploration of mutual interests. The Foundation may make grants to political sub-divisions but not to private individuals. The Foundation may make grants to non-501(c)3 entities provided that the benefit be primarily to the public and consistent with IRS guidelines for support of charitable activities. Download BVF Grant Request Application.
Approval Process – All entities desiring a grant must submit a written request providing all the information required by the Proposer’s Instructions. The Board of Directors will consider all grant applications and may attach appropriate conditions to a prospective grant. Upon approval, the Board will execute a Grant Agreement.
Accountability – Cash grants will be in the form of a check, and may be paid in full or in partial payments. Grant funds may not be comingled with other funds but must be held in a separate identifiable account. The grant agreement may prescribe conditions and each grantee shall be required to provide a final report (financial and operational), and perhaps interim reports of the use of the grant funds, attested to by the responsible grantee officer. The accomplishments enabled by the grant shall be specifically described.
Bella Vista
Bella Vista, Arkansas is a unique and diverse community of over 30,000 active, involved residents who value the beautiful scenic setting of the Ozarks, and has the feeling of a village. They have access to a variety of amenities, including seven lakes, seven golf courses, a tennis center, trails, and numerous other recreational facilities.
FAQ
What is the Foundation?
The Foundation is an incorporated entity, governed by Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws certified by State and Federal governments. Foundations are generally formed to perform charitable activities by receiving contributions of money or property for the purpose of serving, via grants, specific charitable needs as defined in the Foundation’s purpose for existing. The Bella Vista Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation in accordance with IRS rules, which provides that contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible to the contributor to the extent provided by law.
Who Manages the Funds?
Funds for the Foundation are held in the name of the Foundation and administered by the Treasurer, who is accountable to the Board of Directors. Any collection and use of funds or properties are collectively managed by the Board of Directors and recorded in accordance with the Foundation Bylaws.
Are There Fees?
The Foundation does not charge administrative fees. Thus, contributions are 100% used to support charitable projects.
Is My Contribution Safe?
Funds will be managed conservatively by the Board of Directors in accord with IRS rules and generally accepted accounting practices.
How is Project Funding Determined?
The Board of the Foundation considers all requests for grants within Bella Vista, AR. It will determine viability and the extent to which the Foundation can participate.
Are Small Contributions Useful and Accepted?
Yes. The Foundation has the advantage of being able to aggregate smaller contributions from any and all sources in order to support a project, which may be beyond the ability of any single person, group, or business.
How does the Foundation Relate to the City and POA?
The Foundation is an independent entity. It may partner with the City and POA on projects of mutual community interest, both in the raising of funds and the making of grants for such projects.
What Can I do?
You can make a contribution to be held by the Foundation for future community projects. When the Foundation initiates a community project and solicits funds you can donate to that specific project.
Speakers Available:
If your Bella Vista organization needs a speaker, we would love to tell our story. If your organization is interested in a speaker, please email Steve Hughes at: steven.l.hughes@gmail.com
Projects
Serving the Community of Bella Vista, Arkansas
Charity Classic Golf Tournament
The Foundation partnered with the Bella Vista POA for the Fifth Annual Bella Vista Charity Classic golf tournament. The Bella Vista POA took the lead role in soliciting sponsors, Pro-Am Teams and conducting the tournament with the APT Tour. Discover Bella Vista and the City of Bella Vista continued their long-standing support for the 2021 tournament, along with 33 businesses and corporate sponsors. The tournament enjoyed wonderful financial support from our sponsors, a sold-out Pro-Am Tournament with 64 Teams and a successful Pro-Am Party & Auction with more than 375 guests in attendance.
Designated charities for 2021; Bella Vista Courtesy Van, Bella Vista Animal Shelter, Boys & Girls Club of Benton County, Bella Vista Community Television and Bella Vista Rotary Club divided $41,625 from Tournament proceeds and $8,000 was held in reserve for a 2022 tournament. More than $162,625 has been provided to local Bella Vista charities from proceeds from the Charity golf tournament over the last 5 years.
Trail Benches
The Bella Vista Foundation began soliciting funds for trail fixtures, principally benches, with Foundation Director Bill Long leading this effort. The Bella Vista Foundation received sufficient donations from Bella Vista organizations and individuals to purchase and install 13 trail benches. In 2018, Additional funding was received for 4 additional benches with 2 benches installed on the Back 40 trails and the remaining 2 benches designated for future trails. An anonymous donation was recieved in 2020 for an additional 16 trail benches. The plaque on the benches donated by the anonymous donor have the inscription “Live Your Dream”.
When all benches have been installed, Bella Vista trails will have 38 trail benches; with total donations to the Bella Vista Foundation for trail benches of more than $47,000. This wonderful community endeavor will provide enjoyment for trail users for many years to come.
Past Projects
The Foundation partnered with the City, POA and applicable local organizations for these projects
- In 2016 The Bella Vista Foundation assisted with the Heroes and Hamburgers event to honor community police, fire and EMT personnel and raise money for special purpose computers for City emergency vehicles.
- In 2018 The Foundation provided a Grant to the Bella Vista Historical Museum to defray costs for relocation of a historical cabin to the Museum grounds. (pictured above)
- Assisted Bella Vista Arts Council with July 3rd Concert at Lake Loch Lomond Park.
- Charity partner for Cooper Communities NWA Charity Classic golf tournaments.
To view the latest projects list available, click the button below!
View PDF
Archive: Annual Reports
The Bella Vista Foundation was created at a meeting held November 8, 2011. The steps necessary for formalization of the foundation were accomplished during the remainder of 2011 and early 2012.
The Annual Reports on record are available below
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023