Our Vision:
To enrich and improve the quality of life in our community.
Our Mission:
To encourage positive change for generations to come.
RCCF’s Early History
In June, 1997, North Central Michigan Community Foundation (NCMCF) was established – with Roscommon County becoming part of a foundation that served Crawford, Iosco, Ogemaw and Oscoda counties as well as Roscommon County. The goal of this foundation was to positively impact the quality of life for all area citizens by promoting stewardship and leadership, by attracting and holding permanent endowment funds, and by awarding grants from the income of these funds. Over the next few years, Roscommon became the most active of the five counties and managed to establish 24 endowment funds. Roscommon County remained a part of the NCMCF for nearly five years.
The Roscommon County Community Foundation is Born!
In May, 2001, the Roscommon County Committee of NCMCF decided to initiate a drive to become an “independent community foundation”, allowing us to enhance our ability to grow our own funds and, thus, provide more support to the organizations of Roscommon County.
After receiving 501 (c) (3) status and the State of Michigan’s charitable solicitation license, Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) became a reality in the Fall of 2001. The Roscommon County Committee, a group of eight people under NCMCF, expanded to 16 people and became the first RCCF Board of Trustees.
In November, 2001, the Board of Trustees of RCCF decided to establish an administrative “Independence Fund” for the new Foundation. At the same time, the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation of Midland awarded RCCF a $100,000 challenge grant. Under the terms of this challenge, RCCF was to receive one dollar for every dollar we raised for our administrative fund – up to $100,000, but we had to raise this money by December 31, 2002. Amazingly enough, and thanks to the generosity of 113 individuals, couples and foundations, RCCF met the terms of the challenge, raising $100,000. So, with a total of $200,000, RCCF now had enough in its administrative fund to operate independently.
1997– North Central Michigan Community Foundation was established in June; Roscommon County was one of five counties being served by NCMCF.
1997
John W. Wade
Founding Member
First RCCF Board President
Emeritus Board Member
(1997-2009)
Mary Fry
President/CEO of RCCF
2001
2001 – Roscommon County committee of NCMCF decides to become an independent community foundation.
Receives 501(c)(3) status in the fall.
2003 – Upon the passing of Arlene Gillen, the largest gift in RCCF history – 2.9 million – was left to establish a scholarship fund in Rex and Arlene Gillen’s name for furthering education.
2003
Rex and Arlene Gillen
2005 – RCCF has 30 funds established to help community projects.
2005
2007
2007 – RCCF proudly serves Roscommon County for 10 years.
2009 – RCCF hits $5 million in assets as of December 31.
2009
2010 – RCCF receives recognition by the Council on Foundations and achieves compliance to become a nationally accredited community foundation.
2010
2013 – Mary Fry retires as President/CEO of RCCF; Suzanne Luck accepts Executive Director position, beginning in February.
2013
Suzanne Luck
RCCF Executive Director
2020– RCCF hits $10 million in assets as of December 31
2020
2021
2021 – RCCF proudly serves Roscommon County for 25 years
2024 – RCCF hosts first Scholarship Awards Dinner
2024
2024 – RCCF presents Change Maker Award to Carol Morley Beck
2025 – RCCF honors Diane Nielsen for 9 years of service on Board of Trustees
2025
2025 – RCCF hits $13 million in assets as of June 30.
