The Bethesda Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization devoted to the funding and support of health related projects and scholarships in the Hornell Area. It was created in 1986 after the Bethesda Hospital closed in 1985. The income from the funds realized from the sale of assets of the Bethesda Hospital is used to help non-profit agencies furnish health related services to the population within the geographical area previously served by the Bethesda Hospital.

The original Bethesda Hospital was a community hospital established in North Hornell in the early 1900's to meet the increasing demands for medical care in the Hornell area. It officially opened in February, 1917. The original building had been a hotel and clubhouse. In 1960 a new hospital was built through support from various community groups.

Upon the closure of the hospital, the physical assets were sold and the proceeds have become the Bethesda Foundation, which have been used to benefit the local community which had been so nobly served by Bethesda Hospital originally.

The Bethesda Foundation is governed by a 24 member Board of Directors. The Directors are elected to 3-year overlapping terms and represent members of the health, education, financial, legal, and business communities. The Board meets quarterly.

The administrative operation of the Foundation is coordinated by an Executive Director who works with the Board’s committees. They are the: Executive Committee; Education Committee; Finance Committee; Grant Committee; Planning & Building Maintenance Committee; and Public Relations Committee.