Bella Terra Stables
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Bella Terra Stables is organized exclusively for charitable, educational purposes designed to foster the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages and those who support them, including families and schools; to provide a forever home and repurposed career to older, sick or injured horses who are indispensable as "horse therapists" in our equine assisted psychotherapy and learning programs; and to build meaningful connections between and among humans, horses and the natural environment in the greater Pittsburgh community.
- Income
- $223,353
- Spending
- $265,102
- Spent on programs
- 50%
- Reserves
- 0.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 62%
- Employees
- 3
- Volunteers
- 20
- Highest pay
- $33,507, secretary/director of programs
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 29 out of 100. Higher than 13% of charities in its peer group (mental health, under $250k).
Reserves
4 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 0.2 months of spending.
Debt
2 of 20It owes 77% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 19% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 37% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 1550% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 88 out of 100. Higher than 77% of charities in its peer group (mental health, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 257 of 7 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $64,210 spent. New Moves for Old Horses is a core program to provide care for a special population of aged or injured horses who are no longer wanted as school horses or recreational guides but are especially adept at demonstrating essential traits of resilience, patience, and caring. Typically older, these retired or rescued horses have special medical or dietary needs, the cost of which is fully covered by contributions. In 2024, BTS supported 12 of these special horses, 8 of which were acquired from a lesson and trail program in Washington DC that suspended operations during the Covid-19 pandemic and continues to struggle to support the horses. This herd supported 576 individual and group equine assisted psychotherapy and learning sessions in 2024. Direct expenses include hay, feed, medical supplies, bedding, veterinarian and ferrier services. In addition to salaried directors who manage the program, BTS relies on volunteers for daily and special care services. Expenses reflect direct costs and do not include indirect expenses for rent, utilities, and general operations.
- $53,552 spent. Equine Assisted Learning and Psychotherapy programs create an emotionally safe space for children and youth struggling with a wide range of mental and behavioral health concerns and those who support them, including family, schools, social groups and community leaders. In 2024, BTS trained, certified and licensed professionals, together with a team of trained local volunteers, worked with approximately 384 clients on site and 840 off-site (responding to communities dealing with grief and loss) who are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger and grief, among other stressors that impede personal growth and stability. In one-on-one experiences and in specially designed group settings, this experiential modality engaging the participant with a horse in a natural setting fosters resiliency, self-respect, teamwork, and forgiveness, among other life skills. Direct expenses include fees for professional licenses and insurance, specialized registration and billing software to adhere to privacy regulations, training for volunteer corps, equine transportation expenses and program supplies. BTS volunteers provide program support in nonconfidential settings. Expenses reflect direct costs and do not include indirect expenses for rent, utilities and general operations.
- $15,384 spent. Community Wellness Programs take place at the 24 acre property that is home to the Bella Terra Stables. This rural/residentially zoned facility has a storied history as a horse farm and a renewed commitment to being a focal point for the community to experience and appreciate its pastoral setting. Community Thursday programs include "Meditation with the Horses" one evening a week for adults. "Stories in the Stables" is offered once a week as a literacy program for young readers. Volunteer Orientation classes are offered periodically throughout the year for individuals who want to support BTS horses though caring for the horses special needs as well as supporting the mental and behavioral health goals of the organization. The farm is also open to the general public for two seasonal community programs that bring families out to Trick-or-Treat with the horses in October and to interact with princesses and heroes for a Day of Magic in the Spring. Approximately 1200 individuals have benefited from these experiences. Direct expenses include advertising, activity supplies, registration platform, cost associated with general contractors (tables/chair rental, shuttle service, entertainment etc.), decorations, and event-specific liability insurance. In addition to salaried director engagement, these programs rely on an extensive network of volunteers with background in education, yoga and meditation and community outreach. Expenses reflect direct costs and do not include indirect expenses for rent, utilities and general operations.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since July 2021.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.