Fostering a Legacy of Helping Others

The R.H. Crossland Foundation is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those less fortunate through strategic philanthropy and compassionate giving.

ABOUT THE R.H. CROSSLAND FOUNDATION

The R.H. Crossland Foundation is a national not-for-profit agency dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. We approach philanthropy with intention and purpose, believing that true wealth is measured not in dollars, but in the positive change we create in the lives of others.

Rather than spreading resources thinly across many causes, we focus our efforts strategically on initiatives that create transformative change. Whether supporting individuals with extraordinary determination, assisting those in dire circumstances, or preserving history for future generations, every grant and donation reflects our unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

With a mission rooted in Christian values and a vision of sustainable impact, the R.H. Crossland Foundation practices strategic philanthropy—thoughtfully selecting causes that align with our core values of compassion, integrity, and community service. Since our establishment, we have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to carefully selected organizations and individuals in need. We believe deeply in the principle:

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously”
(2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

The Foundation remains committed to fulfilling this sacred mission, creating a legacy of hope and transformation that honors the memory of Ralph H. Crossland Sr. and continues to make a tangible difference in communities across America and beyond.

The R.H. Crossland Foundation is a national not-for-profit agency dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. We approach philanthropy with intention and purpose, believing that true wealth is measured not in dollars, but in the positive change we create in the lives of others.

Rather than spreading resources thinly across many causes, we focus our efforts strategically on initiatives that create transformative change. Whether supporting individuals with extraordinary determination, assisting those in dire circumstances, or preserving history for future generations, every grant and donation reflects our unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

With a mission rooted in Christian values and a vision of sustainable impact, the R.H. Crossland Foundation practices strategic philanthropy—thoughtfully selecting causes that align with our core values of compassion, integrity, and community service. Since our establishment, we have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to carefully selected organizations and individuals in need. We believe deeply in the principle:

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously”
(2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

The Foundation remains committed to fulfilling this sacred mission, creating a legacy of hope and transformation that honors the memory of Ralph H. Crossland Sr. and continues to make a tangible difference in communities across America and beyond.

OUR CORE VALUES

  • Integrity: We conduct all business with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
  • Compassion: We approach every decision with empathy and genuine concern for those we serve.
  • Strategic Impact: We invest resources where they will create meaningful, lasting change.
  • Faith-Based Philanthropy: Our work is guided by Christian principles and the belief that giving is an act of spiritual significance.
  • Community Stewardship: We are committed to strengthening the communities we serve and leaving a positive legacy.

THE CROSSLAND FAMILY LEGACY

Ralph H. Crossland Sr. was a self-taught musician whose warm, engaging personality and genuine care for others touched thousands of lives. His children remember his laughter, gentle nature, and generous spirit. Alongside him stood his devoted wife, Caroline, a proud US Women’s Army Corps veteran who dedicated 53 years to their marriage and family. Together, they embodied faith, integrity, and service.

Inspired by his parents’ commitment to helping others, Rusty Crossland established the R.H. Crossland Foundation in July 1998 as a tribute to their enduring legacy. The Foundation carries forward Ralph and Caroline’s sacred mission—to help those in need at home and across the nation.

Ralph-Crossland-Sr
ralph-crossland-painting
caroline-military-portrait
caroline-crossland-painting
ralph-sr-playing-guitar
Ralph and Caroline Crossland
rusty with mom
theresa-with-mom
caroline-with-veteran-flag
Rusty Crossland and Albert Pujols

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rusty and Andrea Crossland

Rusty Crossland is the visionary founder and driving force behind the R.H. Crossland Foundation. After completing his undergraduate degree in 1969, Rusty embarked on a fulfilling career in education, teaching and coaching in Atlanta where he made a lasting impact on countless young lives. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found a financial services company in 1977, which he helped grow into a successful enterprise through decades of dedicated service.

In 1994, Rusty relocated to Colorado, settling in the beautiful mountain town of Durango where he established both his business headquarters and the R.H. Crossland Foundation Museum. This world-class facility has become a testament to his passion for preserving American history and making it accessible to all. Today, Rusty and his wife Andrea divide their time between their beloved mountain home in Durango and their residence in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rusty’s greatest pride lies in his family. A devoted father of four and grandfather of seven, he embodies the values of family, faith, and service that define the Foundation’s work. His unwavering commitment to helping others continues to inspire the Foundation’s mission and guide its strategic decisions.

Frosty Merriott

Frost Merriott brings over five decades of excellence in accounting, taxation, and financial management to his role as the Foundation’s Financial Director. A graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting (1970), Frosty has built an impressive career characterized by expertise, integrity, and a deep commitment to detail.

Throughout his career, Frosty has held increasingly responsible positions with major corporations and prestigious firms. He served as Corporate Tax Manager for Country Pride Foods, Ltd., a multi-state food processing conglomerate, where he gained invaluable experience in complex tax planning and compliance. Subsequently, he became a Partner at Roberts, Cherry & Company, one of Louisiana’s larger local CPA firms.

His expertise extends across multiple industries including insurance, financial services, medical practices, oil and gas operations, real estate development, and construction. Frosty coordinated the accounting services function in the Lakewood, Colorado office of Gordon, Hughes, and Banks, LLP before establishing his own CPA firm, J. Frost Merriott Inc CPA, in Basalt, Colorado in 1998—the same year the Foundation was established.

Beyond his professional achievements, Frosty is a devoted family man and active community member. He and Carly, his wife of 43 years and their daughter Shiloh along with their beloved golden retrievers Daisy, Bentley, and Miley, spent 25 years at River Valley Ranch in Carbondale, CO and remain committed members of the Orchard Church. Frosty was elected to three terms as a Trustee in the Town of Carbondale and was named as a “Everyday Hero” by the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants “for the difference he makes in others lives.”

Theresa Riddle

Theresa M. Riddle is Managing Director and founder of The Crossland Group, a leading consulting firm specializing in innovation, strategic partnership management, and organizational transformation. With primary responsibility for driving creative problem-solving and strategic business development, Theresa has established herself as a trusted advisor to organizations worldwide.

A graduate of Boston University with a Master of Business Administration, Theresa also holds advanced degrees in Business Management and Human Services from the University of New Hampshire. Her educational pedigree is matched only by her real-world expertise, honed through decades of work in the public and private sectors across four continents.

Theresa’s international career spans Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, where she has worked with governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), multilateral development banks, and the private sector. She brings deep expertise in organizational design, change management, strategic planning, innovation, and executive leadership development. Her work with The World Bank Group, IBM, BF Goodrich, and The Boeing Company has given her unique insights into how organizations can execute complex strategies and build sustainable capabilities.

A particular focus of her work has been supporting countries in addressing critical development challenges, with special emphasis on youth empowerment and combating infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis. Her strategic thinking and execution capabilities have made her an invaluable member of the Foundation’s leadership team, where she brings a global perspective to philanthropic decision-making.

Theresa has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field, receiving New Hampshire’s “Outstanding Woman Achievers” award and the “Excellence in Management” Award from the New Hampshire Charitable Fund. Her thoughtful leadership and visionary approach help ensure the Foundation’s resources create maximum impact.

Amanda Boxtel & Bridging Bionics Foundation

Supporting individuals with extraordinary determination and commitment in advancing life-changing technologies and pursuing meaningful recovery.

Albert Pujols Family Foundation

Partnering to address poverty and provide opportunity in underserved communities, with special focus on children and adults with special needs.

Community Outreach & Education

Operating a premier historical museum with rare sports collections—ALWAYS FREE—while advancing philanthropy that strengthens communities and changes lives.