Isabella Joy Thallas Foundation

A nonprofit organization

$3,645 raised by 35 donors

Isabella Joy Thallas, affectionately known as Bella, held a special place in the hearts of those she encountered. She was kind, compassionate, spirited, filled with laughter, humble, and constantly encouraged others to embrace gratitude. Many of her friends viewed her as a friend who rescued and cared for those around her. 

In a world that could often feel dark and cruel, Bella shone brightly. Tragically, at just 21 years old, she was shot and killed while walking her dog with her boyfriend on June 10, 2020, in Denver, Colorado. "Legacies are built in 21 years and one day" (Joshua Thallas).

The 501(c)(3) nonprofit Isabella Joy Foundation commemorates Bella’s life.

The foundation supports arts programs and scholarships for aspiring creatives in art, fashion, and photography. We challenge the stigma around mental health by promoting accessible resources and diverse healing techniques that encourage open help-seeking.

Giving Activity

Mission

The 501(c)(3) nonprofit The Isabella Joy Foundation is dedicated to celebrating Bella's life and legacy. We aim to keep her memory alive and share her love, light, and story with the world. We honor Bella, not just as a memory, but as a movement. Our non-profit organization emerges as a testament to what can be achieved by channeling our collective grief into collective action. We believe in the power of art, kindness, and fashion to heal and bring people together. By integrating these elements into the fabric of underserved communities, we aim to commemorate lives lost and empower those who remain, turning sorrow into strength.

The Isabella Joy Thallas Foundation’s mission focuses on raising funds for projects inspired by Isabella’s passions, specifically through supporting arts programs and scholarships for aspiring creatives in art, fashion, and photography. Help spread Bella’s legacy of love and light by uplifting our community’s mental health through random acts of kindness. Monies raised by the foundation will also go to help families of victims of gun violence pay for end-of-life care.

Background Statement

In memory of love and light: The Bella Vision

In the shadow of loss, the light of hope blooms—a beacon guided by the spirit of Isabella Joy Thallas. Bella, a vibrant soul taken far too soon, fell victim to senseless gun violence on June 10, 2020, while cherishing a simple moment of life, walking her dog alongside her boyfriend. Despite the darkness of that day, we pursue a chance to resolve— to transform grief into action, loss into legacy.

Our Foundation: from tragedy to transformation

The pain of Bella’s absence is immeasurable, yet it fuels our mission. We stand at a pivotal moment in society, where gun violence casts long shadows across our communities, leaving scars that never heal. Within this challenge lies our resolve to make a difference, and to light a path to healing through unity, creativity, and love.

The Vision: a world re-imagined through compassion and art

We honor Bella—not just as a memory, but as a movement. Our non-profit organization emerges as a testament to what can be achieved by channeling our collective grief into collective action. We believe in the power of art, kindness, and fashion to heal and bring people together. By integrating these elements into the fabric of under-served communities, we aim to commemorate lives lost and empower those who remain, turning sorrow into strength.

Our journey forward: Art, Kindness, Fashion

Bella’s passion for life was mirrored in her love for art and fashion—a celebration of expression and individuality. In her honor, we embark on initiatives that foster creativity, from community art projects that beautify and unite, to fashion shows that celebrate personal stories and resilience. Every brushstroke, every act of kindness, every runway walk is a step towards healing, a tribute to those we’ve lost, and a testament to our capacity for hope.

Join us: Crafting a Legacy of Hope

In the face of adversity, we love harder, inspired by Bella’s light. Our journey is one of hope, healing, and humanity. By giving back through art, kindness, and fashion, we honor Bella’s legacy and ignite a movement toward a more compassionate, vibrant community. Together, we can reshape the narrative, turning the tide against gun violence and paving the way for a future where no other light is extinguished too soon.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Isabella Joy Thallas Foundation

Year Established

2022

Tax id (EIN)

92-1077489

Category

Education, Mental Health & Crisis Intervention, Arts, Culture & Humanities

Organization Size

Small Organization

Address

1565 S WOLFF ST
DENVER, CO 80219

Service areas

CO, US

Denver, CO, US