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Bella Vista Foundation
Georgiana Gerlinger Stevens and Jean Gerlinger Kirkwood established the entity that became Bella Vista Foundation. The 1999 founding occurred as the Kirkwood...
Bella Vista Foundation
Georgiana Gerlinger Stevens and Jean Gerlinger Kirkwood established the entity that became Bella Vista Foundation. The 1999 founding occurred as the Kirkwood Family Foundation. A 2019 merger incorporated the GGS Foundation and produced the current name. Grants target environmental restoration, support for young children, early literacy, and youth mental health. Capital deploys into California and Oregon initiatives. Holdings include an interest in HCP Real Estate Fund LP, the Gerlinger-Kirkwood Legacy Collection, positions in Barrick Gold and Newmont Corp, and participation in the Forest Resilience Bond in Tahoe National Forest. Susan Koe serves as Chair. Spencer Kirkwood acts as Audit Chair and Director. John Kirkwood holds Director Emeritus status. The foundation maintains ties to Mills College, American University of Beirut, and Silicon Valley Community Foundation through prior board service by the founders. Family members occupy key board seats while external partners at Pacific Foundation Services handle day-to-day administration. This arrangement separates grant-making decisions from operational execution.
General information
Firm type
Endowment / Foundation
Year founded
1999
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
San Francisco
Corporate office
San Francisco, United States
Principals
Georgiana Gerlinger Stevens
Founder
Jean Gerlinger Kirkwood
Founder
Susan Koe
Chair of the Board of Directors
Spencer Kirkwood
Audit Chair and Director
John Kirkwood
Director Emeritus
Stefani Willis
Co-Executive Director at Pacific Foundation Services
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Bella Vista Foundation?
Susan Koe chairs the board. Spencer Kirkwood serves as Audit Chair. John Kirkwood holds Director Emeritus status. Day-to-day administration occurs through Pacific Foundation Services.
Where does the underlying wealth come from?
The foundation traces to the estates of sisters Georgiana Gerlinger Stevens and Jean Gerlinger Kirkwood.
What geographic areas receive grants?
Primary grant activity occurs in California and Oregon.
Does Bella Vista Foundation maintain other vehicles?
The foundation holds an interest in HCP Real Estate Fund LP and the Gerlinger-Kirkwood Legacy Collection.
How is the foundation governed?
Descendants and family members occupy board seats. External service providers manage operations.
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