Bethlehem Foundation

Mission

To promote an enhanced quality of life for senior adults residing in Northern California, by supporting nonprofit organizations engaged in promoting the health, independence and social interaction of seniors.

Annual application deadlines

February 28 and August 31 (late submissions may be accepted)

Program areas

Education
Health
Human services

Program limitations

Limited to programs that promote the health, independence and social interaction of seniors.

States served

California

Geographic limitations

Northern California

Population served

Senior adults residing in Northern California

Grants are made to nonprofit organizations operating in and benefiting the senior community of Northern California.

Requirements

• Grantees must be qualified public charities under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).

Limitations

The foundation does not make grants directly to individuals.

Annual application period and deadlines

• Applications are accepted year-round.
• Applications must be submitted by February 28 to be considered at the Spring grant meeting, or August 31 to be considered at the Fall grant meeting.

Communications

• Applicants will receive an automated email confirming their submission.
• Grant decisions are generally communicated within 60 days of each application deadline.

Required agreements and reports

Except as otherwise specified when a grant is awarded, a progress report must be submitted within 8 months after receiving funds.

About the Foundation

The Bethlehem Foundation was created on September 16, 2013, to be funded with proceeds from the sale of 801 Tupper Street, a 159-unit apartment building located in Santa Rosa, California. The building was known as the Bethlehem Towers, a high-rise apartment community serving low- to very low-income seniors. Bethlehem Towers opened its doors in 1972 and was managed by a volunteer Board of Directors for 40 years. When the 40-year HUD loan that financed the community was paid off, the Board was approached by Reiner Communities, a firm that acquires and manages multifamily affordable housing properties, which agreed to complete an extensive renovation and extend the affordability of the project for an additional 55 years. The Board of Directors of Bethlehem Towers, Inc. saw this as a win-win situation. The housing for low-income seniors could remain in place, and proceeds from the sale could fund this new foundation dedicated to promoting an enhanced quality of life for senior adults residing in Northern California.