As far back as 1978, when Ariel was founded, current Mayor Ron Nachman envisioned a thriving, flourishing city that would be the capital of Samaria.
He understood, however that the government budgets would not suffice to create all the services and facilities that the pioneering residents of Ariel would need.
In 1986, he established the Ariel Development Fund, a non-profit vehicle for raising funds for humanitarian projects in the community in the fields of education, culture, health services, social welfare, religious services & immigrant absorption.