Our Foundation History

A Brief History of the Roberts Community Foundation

In 1996, a small group of community members consisting of Robert Duncan, Ron Marshall, Elta Bertolino Ayre, Donna Tandy, Lyle Wright and MarCo LaRowe saw the need to form an organization to benefit the future of Roberts.  The result was the formation of the Roberts Community Foundation. 

“The Roberts Community Foundation, established in 1997, is an autonomous charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to safeguard and enhance the integrity of the Roberts area community and school system.  The purpose for the Roberts Community Foundation is to establish a strong fund-development program which will assist in supporting those services and programs considered important for the Roberts area now and in the future.”

The vision created by this founding group has guided board members over the years.  The Roberts Community Foundation has built a significant endowment fund and provided a tool for those who believe in this community and school system to leave their mark on its future. 

Over the years, the Foundation has been responsible for the facelift of the Roberts Town Park, a new sidewalk the length of First Street, adding lighting along Highway 212, additional street lights within the community, improvements in the Roberts Fire Department, Christmas lighting in the community, a new score board and bench for the gym, a new electronic marquee to publicize school and community events, a master plan for the future and beautification projects in the community.

The Foundation has funded educational opportunities in the school and community. RCF provided funding for educational and musical equipment and materials, safety features, furnishing the new library, a new trophy case, scoreboards and a marquee sign at the school.  The Foundation has built the community’s spirit and image.  They support a number of youth organizations within the school and community.  RCF has worked diligently obtaining grants and funding to provide over a quarter million dollars of improvements and positive changes in Roberts in their 16 years of existence.  Coming soon are "gateway monuments" along the highway on either end of town funded by CTEP monies through the Montana Department of Transportation and Carbon County.

Board members have changed over the years. Many other citizens have served on this board throughout its history and deserve credit for keeping the spirit of ‘a place to come home to’ alive today.