The foundation was the vision of the late Ralph McBane to make Bergholz and its surrounding communities a better place to live. Together with his son, Jim McBane, and fellow businessman and friend Bill DeNoon Sr., the foundation was formed. The intent was to fund projects in the Bergholz community and surrounding area that otherwise wouldn’t get monetary support, with the hope that the foundation could be the vehicle for ongoing improvements. 

The board of trustees oversees the management of the permanent charitable funds and multiple perpetual funds, including scholarship fund, funds to benefit specific charitable organizations and unrestricted funds to support changing and emerging community needs.

The foundation was incorporated on August 31, 1993. It is a non-profit, corporate entity, exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The foundation’s purpose is to secure financial support to administer the gifts and manage the assets thus accumulated. Members of the Bergholz Community Foundation Board of Trustees are committed to pursuing consistent efforts to raise funds in order to further our mission and to assist in program funding. Program funding shall be exclusively for scientific, literary, educational or charitable purposes in the areas of civic, cultural, health and social services to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under the provisions of Section 501©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as it now exists or as it may hereafter be amended.

The geographical area in which funds shall be expended shall be determined by the board of trustees. Aside from scholarships, it does not make awards to individuals.