“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
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 philosopher 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), is a private nonpartisan foundation independent of Princeton. It 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.
The initial RFG Fellowship Class of 2011 included 2 fellows at Tufts University. The program grew quickly to 13 fellows in the Class of 2012 across 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 joined the participating universities in 2013. The number of fellows per class have fluctuated over the years, with an historic high of 20 fellows in the Class of 2015. As of the 18th cohort—Class of 2029—the foundation transitioned to an expanded national scope, partnering with 10 universities.
In addition to funding graduate fellowships, RFG supports organizations that promote public service engagement, foster government workforce development across subnational, federal, and international levels, and provide professional development to enhance public service leadership capacity.
The Robertson Foundation for Government is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. RFG does not accept unsolicited proposals for funding.