Youth Development
with a focus on Workforce Development and Economic Mobility
After 25 years and more than $950 million in giving, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has committed to significantly accelerating the impact of our philanthropy. We are currently on a journey of deeper learning and strategy setting for our new priority areas of giving: Youth Development, Democracy, Environment, Mental Health and Well-Being, and Atlanta’s Historic Westside.
The Blank Family Foundation will continue to oversee a large portfolio of grants including support of essential Atlanta nonprofit institutions such as Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, Shepherd Center and enduring Founder-led initiatives, such as veterans and the military, and stuttering, among others. The foundation will also continue to guide the seven associate-led giving committees operating across the Blank Family of Businesses.
Across these portfolios, the Blank Family Foundation will look for opportunities to address the growing crisis of disconnection in our nation. Geographically, much of the work will continue to prioritize Georgia (with a focus on Atlanta) and Montana, while also considering the potential for greater national impact and influence.
Formed in 1995, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has invested more than $950 million in early childhood development, education, green space, community transformation and the arts, and leads giving programs for each of the Blank Family of Businesses, including the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, PGA TOUR Superstore, Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, West Creek Ranch and Paradise Valley Ranch. In 2014, the foundation created the Westside Neighborhood Prosperity Fund, a $30 million long-term commitment to invest in catalytic projects to ignite positive change and transform both people and place in Atlanta’s Westside communities. To date, nearly $50 million has been distributed to projects focused on housing, educational opportunity, crime and safety, health and civic empowerment.
Through the establishment of The Molly Blank Fund to honor the giving heart of our Chairman’s late mother, an additional $32 million has been distributed to issues and causes she cared about including at-risk youth, arts and culture, and Jewish causes emphasizing social justice and interfaith coalitions.
Molly Blank believed to her core in the importance of giving back and that value was instilled in both our Chairman and his brother, Michael, and each of their children.
“Family is the most important part of my life. I can’t tell you how much it means to me that we share similar values and a commitment to affect positive change in the world. This is a true family foundation. We sit at the table as a family, we make decisions as a family, we share a calling to make a difference. In some respects our foundation defines who we are and what we stand for. My hope is that our future generations will also experience the joy of giving back to our foundation. What greater way to perpetuate our values and our love.”