Empowering Communities

Our Mission and Vision

At Gaut Tribe Foundation, we are dedicated to empowering underserved communities through education, resources, and support services. Our mission is to create equitable opportunities that foster growth and development for all individuals, ensuring that no one is left behind.
We envision a world where every community has access to the essential tools and support needed to thrive. By collaborating with local organizations and advocating for systemic change, we aim to build a sustainable future that uplifts and empowers every member of our society.
Through our various programs, including scholarships for graduating seniors and assistance for elders, we strive to address the unique needs of our communities. Our commitment to integrity, compassion, and inclusivity drives us to create lasting positive change, ensuring that everyone has the chance to succeed.

Meet Our Dedicated Team

At the heart of the Gaut Tribe Foundation, our family of passionate individuals works tirelessly to empower underserved communities. Each member brings unique skills and a shared commitment to our mission. (Click on the images to view member biographies.)

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Robert Gaut II

President
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Tondra Tenille Sneed

Executive Director / Treasurer

(Founder)
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LaKendra Fredrick-Black

Secretary
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Cameron McGriff

Grant Coordinator
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Note from the Founder

In 2019, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Not long after, I experienced the unimaginable loss of my son. These two life-changing events shook me to my core. They forced me to slow down, reflect, and truly see the world around me. Through the pain and stillness, something shifted—I began to see the needs of others more clearly. What once felt like personal tragedy became a calling to serve.


I often find myself reflecting on all the amazing things my son could have achieved during his high school years. I can imagine him getting ready for his future, contemplating college, and dreaming about all the possibilities that life held for him. Those possibilities will never become a reality now. In his memory, I feel deeply moved to support other students at this important stage of life—helping them navigate their path, dream boldly, and reach the future he was never able to see.

At the same time, my heart turns to the elderly. Too many of our seniors live isolated, overlooked, and without the basic resources they need. These are our mothers, our fathers, our neighbors—the people who built the very communities we live in today. They deserve better. I grew up seeing the quiet struggles of elderly family members and community elders who had given everything to others but were left with so little. This mission is personal.


That’s why I founded this organization. It’s not just about programs—it’s about people. It’s about remembering, honoring, and lifting up those who are too often forgotten. This foundation exists to be a light in the underserved families in our communities, the lives of students who need direction, and a source of dignity and care for elders who deserve to be seen.


This isn’t just a cause. It’s a promise. A promise to turn pain into purpose, to give meaning to loss, and to ensure that compassion always has a place in our communities. I see this foundation reaching families far and wide, but it starts with home. We’re beginning in the communities of North and East Texas, with hopes to expand across the state and eventually nationwide.


The Gaut Tribe Foundation is about turning love into action and turning grief into growth. We’re here to serve, and we’re just getting started!