Kindness first
We lead with compassion in everything we do, because Bella showed us that gentleness is its own kind of strength.
About us
Filling the world with kindness, in Bella's name.
Bella's Hope Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that rewards the everyday people who lead with love. We carry forward the spirit of a brave girl who knew, even on her hardest days, that one small act of kindness can change everything.
We exist to fill the world with kindness, rewarding people who lead with love.
Through scholarships and “Kindness in Action” grants of $500 to $2,000, we celebrate everyday people whose selfless actions make their communities brighter. Bella experienced firsthand how one small act of kindness could lift her spirits on her hardest days, and we are determined to keep that ripple moving.
What guides us
The values behind every award
Four simple beliefs shape who we recognize and how we give.
Everyday heroes
We look past titles and spotlights to honor ordinary people whose quiet, selfless actions lift those around them.
Hope in action
Hope is more than a feeling. Each grant turns it into something tangible: resources, encouragement, and momentum for good.
100% to the mission
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every tax-deductible gift goes straight toward awards and the people they uplift.
By the numbers
Small grants, lasting ripples
$9,000+Awarded to everyday heroes
$500–$2,000Per Kindness in Action grant
100%Tax-deductible donations
6 yrsBella's courageous fight that inspired us
How it began
Born from a brave girl's hope
The foundation was founded in loving memory of Gabriella “Bella” Hope Patterson (March 20, 2009 to May 26, 2025), who fought cancer for six years with courage and contagious laughter. Through every hospital stay and hard day, Bella noticed the people who showed up with kindness: a nurse who stayed a little longer, a friend who made her laugh, a stranger whose small gesture changed an entire afternoon.
Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.
Bella experienced firsthand how one small act of kindness could lift her spirits on her hardest days. Bella's Hope Foundation was created to keep that ripple moving, to find the people who lead with love and tell them their kindness matters. Based in Danbury, CT, we are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and every award we give carries Bella's belief that love is the bravest thing of all.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the Kindness in Action Award?
The Kindness in Action Award is our way of celebrating everyday people whose selfless actions make their communities brighter. Each award includes a grant of $500 to $2,000 to recognize and support the recipient's good work and encourage even more of it.
Who can be nominated?
Anyone whose kindness has made a real difference: a volunteer, a caregiver, a teacher, a neighbor, or a stranger who simply showed up with love. We focus on everyday heroes rather than people who are already widely recognized. You can nominate someone in just a few minutes on our nomination page.
How much are the grants?
Kindness in Action grants range from $500 to $2,000, awarded alongside scholarships. The exact amount depends on the recipient and the impact of their actions, but every award is meant to be meaningful and to keep the ripple of kindness moving forward.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. Bella's Hope Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Danbury, CT, so your donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. You will receive a receipt for your records.
How do you choose recipients?
Recipients come from community nominations. We read every story and look for the selfless actions that lead with love and brighten the lives of others, exactly the kind of kindness that lifted Bella on her hardest days. Honoring Bella's spirit, we give special weight to acts of hope, compassion, and quiet courage.
Help us fill the world with kindness
Know someone whose love makes their corner of the world brighter? Tell us their story, or give to help us reward more everyday heroes in Bella's name.