Thriving Together Newsletter

December 2024

As we wrap up another year, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation extends our gratitude for your support.

We wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with hope, health and opportunities to continue making a difference in your communities.

Together, let's thrive and create positive change in the year ahead.

Stories From Our Communities

Montana Youth Engage with World Leaders to Learn About the Global Economy

EconoQuest is a unique program of the Montana World Affairs Council (MWAC) that connects rural and tribal high school students with high-ranking foreign officials, business leaders and potential employers so they can learn about real-world economic concepts and explore careers. MWAC partners with Montana industry leaders to elevate career opportunities, identify talent gaps and share pathway connections to careers.

Since its launch three years ago, EconoQuest has provided in-person and online programming to hundreds of talented students across Montana, inspiring them to explore how things like tariffs, quotas and free trade agreements affect the global economy and directly impact their lives.

One recent success story involved three young women who studied semiconductors and international trade with India. After pitching their ideas to a panel of judges, the consul general of India was so impressed with their work that he awarded them a two-week trip to India. All three of the students now plan to pursue careers in engineering.

Powering the West: A Vision for Energy Freedom

Montana’s grasslands support wildlife, enhance soil and water quality, and absorb harmful emissions. But these essential landscapes are disappearing as the land is developed for other uses, impacting the environment and ranching communities.

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation partners with local organizations to support ranchers in adopting sustainable practices and conserving their land for future generations.

Learn how these efforts safeguard the environment and livelihoods in this new animated video.

Connecting Atlanta Communities to the Vibrant Chattahoochee River

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation contributed $2.5 million to Trust for Public Land to support its Chattahoochee RiverLands project, a 100-mile linear park through the heart of metro Atlanta. The project will connect 20 cities and seven counties to the river, providing residents and visitors convenient access to hiking trails, campsites, kayak launches, parks and more.

“Access to the Chattahoochee River will bring metro Atlanta another connection to the outdoors, which is vitally important to our community’s overall well-being,” said Fay Twersky, president of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. By transforming the Chattahoochee River into a vibrant hub for recreation and connection, this initiative will enrich and strengthen metro Atlanta's communities for generations to come.

A Free Recreation Center Will Bring Health and Wellness to Livingston Residents

At a groundbreaking ceremony last month, residents and leaders of Livingston, Montana, celebrated the construction of a 43,500-square-foot recreation and wellness center that will be free to community members.

This first-of-its-kind facility, set to open in winter 2026/2027, received all of its capital funding from the private sector, including a $10 million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

“We’ve long faced a challenge finding spaces large enough and well suited for all of our needs,” said Maggie Tarr, director of the Livingston Recreation Department. “This center answers that call—providing a home for programs that enrich lives and build connections.” With one of the highest per capita suicide rates in the nation, the Livingston community hopes this innovative facility will save and improve lives.

Local children wield the ceremonial shovels during the groundbreaking ceremony for the 4 Ranges Recreation and Wellness Center in Livingston.

AMBFF In The News

'Let's see what works': Nonprofit begins second guaranteed-income program on Westside, Atlanta Business Chronicle

Carter Center marks first anniversary of passing of Rosalynn Carter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Opera received $27.5 million gift from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to build the Molly Blank Center for Opera, Metro Atlanta CEO

Falcons offer new GHSA grants to grow flag programs, make football safer, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Stay Connected

Don't miss out on the impact our grantee partners are making. Sign up for our newsletter to receive uplifting stories and important foundation updates straight to your inbox.

OUR WORK

ABOUT

NEWS