Bella Vista Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Bella Vista Foundation is a private foundation in Bristol, Virginia. In tax year 2025 it gave $957,000 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $250,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$957,000
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$250,000
- Assets$4.3 million
- New grantees21%
Giving in 2025 was up from $864,000 the year before.
21% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.4 million | 29 | $5.3 million |
| 2024 | $864,000 | 32 | $4.9 million |
| 2025 | $957,000 | 15 | $4.3 million |
How to apply
Bella Vista Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Bella Vista Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Virginia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 10 | $697,000 |
| Tennessee | 5 | $260,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| City of Norton | Gary f. Adams memorial tennis courts | $250,000 |
| Healing Hands Health Center | General operations | $125,000 |
| Virginia Athletics - Friends | General operations | $100,000 |
| Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Founda | General operations | $100,000 |
| Virginia Athletics - JPJ | Jpj gift agreement | $87,500 |
| YWCA Netn and Swva | General operations | $60,000 |
| Virginia Athletics - Scholarships | Scholarship funding | $53,500 |
| Symphony of the Mountains | General operations | $50,000 |
| William King Museum | General operations | $50,000 |
| Individual | Summer football scholarships | $25,000 |
| Virginia Highlands Festival | General operations | $20,000 |
| Birthplace of Country Music | General operations | $15,000 |
| Ballad Health Foundation | General operations | $10,000 |
| The Napoleon Hill Foundation | General operations | $10,000 |
| Bristol Ballet | General operations | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Marvin W Gilliam Jr
- Donna Stevens
- Marcia A Gilliam
- Kimberly Gibson
- Rodney Miller
Questions people ask
Does Bella Vista Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Bella Vista Foundation give?
$957,000 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Bella Vista Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Marvin W Gilliam Jr (President), Donna Stevens (Director), Marcia A Gilliam (Vice Preside) and Kimberly Gibson (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Bella Vista Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, health and education.