NCCF Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund Awards $370,000 Boost to Barkhamsted

The Northwest CT Community Foundation Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund has awarded $370,000 in grants, community support and scholarships benefiting Barkhamsted residents in 2026.

Support includes $315,000 in grants and community funding, along with $55,000 in scholarships awarded to 11 Barkhamsted students for the 2026–2027 academic year.

“With deep appreciation for Doug and Janet Roberts’ commitment to their community, this remarkable gift will make so much good possible for Barkhamsted,” said NCCF Chief Executive Officer Brian Mattiello. “We fully embrace the responsibility of stewarding this unique gift and ensuring the Roberts’ intentions are honored through these meaningful awards.”

Noteworthy grants include:

• Barkhamsted Seniors, serving as fiscal sponsor for Riverton Grange No. 169, received $50,000 to support construction costs associated with the Grange’s kitchen renovation.

“Barkhamsted Seniors, serving as the fiscal sponsor for Riverton Grange No. 169, was honored to receive a generous $50,000 gift to help transform the Grange’s kitchen into a welcoming space for generations to come,” said Dave Roberts, president of The Barkhamsted Seniors Inc.

“Doug’s connection to Riverton Grange spanned a lifetime. His grandparents were charter members, and his mother faithfully served the Grange for more than 60 years. Doug and Janet treasured the countless meals, celebrations, and friendships they shared within its walls. They understood that the kitchen has always been the heart of the Grange—a place where neighbors become friends and community is strengthened. Through this remarkable gift, Doug and Janet’s legacy will live on, ensuring that future generations can gather around the table, create lasting memories, and experience the warmth, fellowship, and community spirit that have defined Riverton Grange for more than a century.”

• Union Agricultural Society of Barkhamsted, Colebrook and Hartland received $45,000 to support the first phase of electrical upgrades at the Riverton Fairgrounds.

“The Town of Barkhamsted sincerely thanks the Northwest CT Community Foundation Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund for supporting important electrical upgrades at the Riverton Fairgrounds. The $45,000 grant to the Union Agricultural Society of Barkhamsted, Colebrook and Hartland will improve the reliability and longevity of the Fairgrounds,” said Meaghan Cook, Barkhamsted First Selectman.

“We are especially grateful for the Foundation’s thoughtful stewardship of the NCCF Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund. Through that stewardship, their generosity and vision continue to make a meaningful and lasting difference for the thousands of people who gather at the Fairgrounds throughout the year.”

• Pleasant Valley Fire Department received $29,250 to purchase and install an extractor and heated cabinet dryer used to safely clean and dry firefighters’ personal protective equipment and turnout gear.

“The officers and firefighters of the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Department are extremely grateful for the recent award from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Doug and Janet Roberts Fund,” Chief James Shanley said. “We plan to use this award to purchase new, effective decontamination equipment for our firehouse. This equipment will help protect our members and the community from exposure to toxic substances produced by fires. “Without this assistance, we could not have undertaken this important project on our own. We extend our sincere thanks.”

Complete List of Grants:

• Barkhamsted Historical Society received $24,300 to support projects planned for completion in 2026 and 2027.
• Barkhamsted Housing Trust received $26,000 to support 2027 carrying costs for Mallory View and construction currently in progress.
• Barkhamsted Seniors, serving as fiscal sponsor for Riverton Grange No. 169, received $50,000 to support construction costs associated with the Grange’s kitchen renovation.
• First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted received $72,800 to renovate its community room, including mold remediation, flooring, painting and the installation of a dehumidifier system, and to install climate control and air conditioning on the sanctuary level, including associated electrical work.
• New Hartford Volunteer Ambulance received $10,000 to provide required matching funds for renovations that will improve living and storage spaces within the ambulance building.
• Pleasant Valley Fire Department received $29,250 to purchase and install an extractor and heated cabinet dryer used to clean and dry firefighters’ personal protective equipment and turnout gear.
• Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church received $11,750 to purchase food and replace carpeting in the church’s food bank space.
• Town of Barkhamsted received $7,000 to purchase and install a modern audiovisual system at the Barkhamsted Senior Center.
• Union Agricultural Society of Barkhamsted, Colebrook and Hartland received $45,000 to support the first phase of electrical upgrades at the Riverton Fairgrounds.

Additional 2026 Support

Earlier in 2026, the Northwest CT Community Foundation Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund awarded an additional $13,900 in grants:

• Barkhamsted Historical Society received $8,000 to support programs and events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States in the town of Barkhamsted.

• Northwest Conservation District received $3,500 to add pollinator plants to the blueberry garden and continue agricultural education programming at the Beardsley & Memorial Library.

• Town of Barkhamsted received $2,400 to rebuild 24 community garden beds.

The Northwest CT Community Foundation Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund also provided $25,000 in support of Northwest Corner Gives 2026.

In addition, $55,000 in scholarships were awarded to 11 Barkhamsted students for the 2026–2027 academic year.

About the Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund

The Northwest CT Community Foundation Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund was established through the estate planning of Douglas E. Roberts, a resident of Riverton for more than 80 years. The Northwest CT Community Foundation Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund supports the Barkhamsted Historical Society, educational enrichment for Barkhamsted residents, and regional nonprofit programming that benefits the residents of Barkhamsted.

About NCCF
Established in 1969, the Northwest CT Community Foundation serves 20 towns in Northwest Connecticut. Its total endowment, comprised of more than 280 funds, has grown from initial assets of $15,000 to more than $180 million. Last year, combined grants and scholarships totaled in excess of $7 million.

Learn more at yournccf.org