Over sixty years ago, President John F. Kennedy challenged Americans to service, declaring: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country… ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” His call inspired a generation to pursue meaningful careers in government—shaping U.S. foreign policy, navigating Cold War crises, and laying the groundwork for America to face the challenges of the 21st century.
Charles and Marie Robertson shared Kennedy’s vision. In 1961, moved by their love of country, they endowed Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School with the goal of “strengthening the Government of the United States” by preparing young Americans to defend and extend freedom worldwide. As Charles wrote, echoing Jean-Jacques Rousseau: “As soon as public service ceases to be the chief concern of its citizens, the state is not far from its fall.”
That belief gave rise to the Robertson Fellowship at Princeton University. The Robertsons dedicated $35 million to cultivate future diplomats, intelligence officers, negotiators, and leaders who would carry forward the values of freedom, democracy, and service to the country. Today, the Robertson Foundation for Government (RFG), a private nonpartisan foundation independent of Princeton, remains true to its founding mission—ensuring the nation’s strength by investing in the skill and integrity of its globally engaged public servants who help build a more peaceful, sustainable and interconnected world.
“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country… ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
JOHN F. KENNEDY
The programs and initiatives of RFG adhere to the original vision of Charles and Marie Robertson to identify and prepare future U.S. government leaders in the areas of foreign policy, international affairs, and national security. The initial class of RFG Fellows included 11 students at four universities: Syracuse University Maxwell School, Tufts University Fletcher School, University of California San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy, and University of Maryland School of Public Policy. Texas A&M University Bush School was added to the list of participating universities in 2011.
The foundation also supports projects and organizations that promote and foster public service and government workforce development, engagement in foreign policy, and understanding of global connections, international affairs, and national security.
The Robertson Foundation for Government is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. RFG does not accept unsolicited proposals for funding.