Lander, Wyoming is a place of beauty, self-sufficiency, and small-town values.
Lander is a place of belonging. A place where we take pride in our genuine commitment to home and community. We are ranchers and creatives. Teachers and leaders. Outdoor enthusiasts of every kind. Our passions are different, but together, we are community.
The Lander Community Foundation is a local philanthropic foundation whose mission is to create a stronger community by promoting philanthropy, encouraging effective giving, and facilitating volunteerism while providing leadership on nonprofit issues that are important to our community.
We pay tribute to a beloved community organizer and member, Carolyn Gilbertson, who passed away on July 19, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Through her community work and dedication to Lander and various local nonprofits, Carolyn inspired many. Her long battle with multiple myeloma was a daily challenge that she tackled with unending focus. There was never a day she wasn’t fighting. Throughout the ups and downs of her cancer journey, she continued to be involved in our community in numerous ways, serving as a volunteer at athletic events. She was a dedicated athlete. It was the norm to see Carolyn and Phil pedalling on Lander’s back roads, cheering for her grandchildren at Nordic ski races, or intensely working out at Elemental Gym.
LCF board member Michelle Escudero shares that “For me, Carolyn was a daily positive example as she kept moving forward through tough and painful times. She taught me how to stay positive, even when things seemed overwhelming. She showed me the value of working day-to-day to share more time and build more memories with family and friends. Her spirit will live on in her deep friendships.”
Phil and Carolyn have continued to support the races and the Challenge for Charities (C4C) drive for the past 15 years.
Here’s to Carolyn, a beloved spouse, mother, grandmother, community member, and much-loved friend.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 31 at the Central Wyoming College Alpine Science Institute at 2 pm.
You can read another tribute to her on County10.
Community is something deeply shared, with a wide reach. Something rooted in hard-work and hope that looks towards an even better future.
Our individual strengths give us collective strength.
We are committed to strengthening nonprofit groups by helping them to build capacity. We also provide technical assistance and help build partnerships between nonprofits, businesses, the state, and individuals throughout Lander. Learn more about how we can help strengthen your nonprofit.
Jim Massman, Board Chair, Fremont Symphony Orchestra
“The work that the Lander Community Foundation does to help nonprofits in Lander is invaluable.
The money raised for the Fremont Symphony Orchestra makes up a third to half of our operating budget. As a result we can hire soloists and professional musicians to complete the Orchestra's thirty local musicians. It never ceases to amaze me that a city the size of Lander can support a symphonic orchestra. Lander Community Foundation is a big part of the reason why.”
LCF is powered by community support.
Your support makes all the difference.
Community is who we are—and how we take care of each other.
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