ABOUT
the foundation
MISSION
The Scott Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving local wealth so the communities in and around Scott County will forever remain attractive places to live, work, and raise a family.
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WE ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION BY:
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Assisting individuals, businesses, and community organizations in achieving their own charitable goals;
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Creating opportunities for individual and collective charitable giving so that every resident, regardless of social or economic circumstance, can participate in the growth of their community;
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An understanding of the ever-changing payment / reimbursement landscape
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Attracting, building, and managing permanent endowment funds in a prudent and principled manner;
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Investing time and money into projects that address the current and future needs of area residents;
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And by increasing awareness and public engagement on important issues and projects.
MEET THE TEAM
Executive Director
Ryan Roberts
Ryan Roberts has served as the Scott Community Foundation Executive Director since March, 2008. Prior to this position, Ryan served a non-profit organization in the child welfare field for ten years. Ryan’s duties for community foundation are to facilitate, coordinate, and develop the Scott Community Foundation in line with the mission statement. His wealth of knowledge has been a huge asset to the Scott Community Foundation. When he is not working, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family and watching his kids play sports.
Amy Davidson
Office Manager
Hello. My name is Amy Davidson. I am the Foundation’s Office Manager. I was born and raised, and also raised my 3 kids in the small farming community of Moscow, KS. My previous experience is in Agriculture, growing up on the Family Farm, Education, as an Elementary School Office Manager for 12 years, and in Healthcare as a CNA.
After spending much of my time here over the last two years, I moved to Scott City permanently in August of 2021.
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A few of my favorite things are Summers at the lake camping and jet skiing, Winters in the Mountains snow skiing, long weekend adventures with Tom, and visiting my 3 kids Alexandra, Briannah, and Trenton.
Community Development Coordinator
Leslee Meyer
Leslee Meyer is the Community Development Coordinator. She graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2018 with her Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Communication Studies. Leslee has experience working alongside Non-profit and Foundation Organizations to help raise funds and spread awareness on behalf of communities.
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"I was raised in Shields, Kansas on a farm. I have strong roots in agriculture and "the rural way" of life. I have been a part of the Scott Community for three years. I am married to Scott City Alum, Mr. Joey Meyer, a 5th grade teacher and Cross Country/Basketball Coach for Scott County Community Schools. I am looking forward to continuing to grow and serve the Scott County Community in this capacity.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
President: Josh Bailey, Security State Bank, President
Vice President: Tracy Hess, B&H Paving Partner
Secretary: Julie Mason, Community Leader
Treasurer: Baylee Rosin, First National Bank, Assistant Vice President
Executive at Large: Troy Lewis, Western State Bank, President
John Fairleigh, Fairleigh Corporation, Owner and President
Chad Griffith, Owner, Griffith Ranch
Morgan Numrich, First National Bank, Banker
Edith Tarango, Scott County Health Department, Administrator
Jerrold Unruh, Owner, J Unruh Trucking
Liz Vulgamore, Spencer Flight Center, Administrator
FOUNDATION COMMITTEES
HISTORY
The Scott Community Foundation history began in 1987 as the Scott County Health Care Foundation, with a purpose of advancing health care needs in the community. (Articles of Incorporation were filed in 1984.) Over the next 13 years, the organization raised nearly $400,000 through bake sales, auctions and dances to help meet the health care needs of the community.
Seeing a need to expand the Foundation’s mission and support for the community, in 2000 it was decided to better meet the needs of the overall community by amending and re-establishing as a community foundation. While health care remains a significant area for Foundation activity, the new structure allowed the Foundation to expand its philanthropic interests to include education, recreation, history, the arts and other special projects. Scott Community Foundation is a special type of nonprofit organization – its whole purpose for existence is to create and build endowed funds, the proceeds from which are used in perpetuity to benefit Scott County and the surrounding area. Unlike “private foundations” such as the Gates, Carnegie, and Rockefeller Foundation, the Scott Community Foundation is a “public charity”. This means the majority of the assets are received from local individuals, organizations, and businesses.
Because most of the funds held are generated locally, it only makes sense that local leaders decide how those funds are managed. The volunteer Board of Trustees, comprised of Scott County Leaders, guides the Foundation’s strategic direction and establishes policies for investment management, grant making, and operations.
Generous community support and sensible investment management have enabled the Scott Community foundation endowment to reach nearly 9 million dollars. The proceeds from these funds will continue to be used in perpetuity to fund postsecondary education scholarships and community projects in accordance with donors’ intentions. Since 2000, Scott Community Foundation has distributed more than $8 million back into the community through grants, scholarships, and other special projects.