Since the 2009 IRS approval of the Bent Tree Foundation as a public, 501(c)(3) charity, its missions have evolved into an organization that is dedicated to the school children of Pickens County, to the caring for and temporary housing of lost pets in Bent Tree and to helping improve the quality of life for local residents.
The Foundation’s latest achievement in its Community Enhancement mission is the donation of several pieces of Lifesaving Equipment to the Bent Tree Public Safety Department and the Bent Tree Fire Department. The donated items include four thermal imaging cameras, two gas NiMH detectors, four Halligan tools for access into burning structures plus three new ladders and new ladder rack. This new lifesaving equipment will enable Bent Tree’s First Responders to more efficiently assist the residents of Bent Tree.
The Bent Tree Foundation partnered with the Lake & Wildlife Committee, Bent Tree Community, Inc. and its administration and crews to construct an All-Access Trail in the Sallie Doss woodland by the lake. This trail is a raised boardwalk with handrails that can provide a pathway suitable for strollers, walkers, wheelchairs and all foot traffic. Additionally, a large handicap accessible concrete parking pad was added 
to the front of the Sallie Doss Nature Center to access the new trail. Stay tuned for a possible Phase 2 that will include an additional walkway to the dock as well as a total renovation of the dock to be made handicap accessible with railings and benches.
The Bent Tree Foundation is proud of its prior community enhancements that have been donated to the Bent Tree Community: the Playground Equipment, the Animal Shelter, and the Playground Gazebo.
The Bent Tree Foundation has also played a part in several enhancements in the Bent Tree Community: the Front Gate Project, the Paws ‘n’ Play Dog Park, the Memorial Garden, the Lady Niners Golf Course Landscape Project, the Equestrian Center Fencing Project, the new Bocce Court, the New Equestrian Center’s Building, the Bent Tree Administration Building Landscape Project and two new Automated External Defibrillators.
