• Phone Number740-387-9704
  • Emailinfo@marioncommunityfoundation.org
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Marion Community Foundation

For you. For Marion. Forever.

  • Home
  • Give
    • Establish Your Fund
    • Ways to Give
    • Types of Funds
    • Memorial Gifts
    • Giving Tips
    • Our Funds
  • Scholarships
    • Apply
    • Scholarship FAQ
    • Scholarships Available
    • Scholarship Donors
    • 2024 Scholarship Recipients
    • 2023 Scholarship Recipients
    • 2022 Scholarship Recipients
    • 2021 Scholarship Recipients
  • Grants
    • Grant Programs
    • Grantmaking Impact
    • Grant FAQs
    • Apply for a Grant
    • America 250 Grants
    • Community Grants
    • Racial Equity & Justice Grants
    • Field of Interest Grants
    • TEACH Grants
  • Resources
    • Our Profile Book
    • Advisors’ Toolkit
  • About
    • Board of Directors
    • Foundation Staff
    • Contact
    • FAQs
    • Audits and 990s
  • News
  • Login
    • Donor LoginFor donors wishing to view information on the fund(s) with which they are affiliated.
    • Login for ScholarshipsFor students seeking to apply for educational scholarships.
    • Login for GrantsFor agencies seeking to apply for grant funds.

Robert M. & Dorothy C. Wopat Community Fund

Operating under his lifelong philosophy to “never tell anyone how to do their job,” Robert Wopat, former chief executive with GTE, along with his wife, Dorothy, established three funds at the Marion Community Foundation, including The Robert M. & Dorothy C. Wopat Community Fund, a donor advised fund which makes grants to any worthy cause.

Bob held a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan and made a career in the telecommunications industry. Having witnessed technological changes from battery service and crank phones to the invention of the dial system, the digital switch, and cellular technology, he knew the inevitability of change and created funds open and available for addressing unforeseen community needs as they arise.

Bob’s career included service in World War II as a Naval officer and specialist in magnetic and acoustic firing devices. In 1964, Bob became president of GTE’s Ohio Operations, a position he held for 16 years until his retirement in 1980. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and was an avid golfer. Bob was a member of the MedCenter Hospital board, the predecessor of Marion Community Foundation, from 1965-1998.

The Wopats married in 1940. Dottie held a teaching degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, was an avid bridge player and enjoyed floral arranging and dance.

Click Here to Donate to this Fund

Footer

MAILING ADDRESS
504 South State St.
Marion, Ohio 43302

EMAIL
info@marioncommunityfoundation.org

PHONE
740-387-9704

HOURS
Monday-Friday
9AM-5PM

OUR MISSION is to continually improve the Marion area community through philanthropy, leadership & civic engagement.

OUR VISION is a generous, educated, healthy, collaborative, and vibrant community.

  • Home
  • Give
  • Apply
  • Grants
  • Resources
  • About
  • News

Copyright © 2025 · Marion Community Foundation - Created by Neighborhood Image