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Founder Initiatives

Founder Initiatives

Supporting the causes, institutions and relationships our founder holds dear

In addition to our primary areas of giving, our foundation administers grantmaking aligned with the interests of our founder, Arthur M. Blank. We oversee a large portfolio of grants including support of essential Atlanta and Montana nonprofit institutions and enduring initiatives.

Arthur Blank Atlanta United

Associate-Led Giving

Operating across the Blank Family of Businesses, associate committees closest to their respective issues have influence and decision-making in our philanthropy.

Arthur M. Blank Family Animal Center Atlanta

Founder Interests

Aligning with the interests of our founder, Arthur M. Blank, we oversee a large portfolio of grants including support of essential Atlanta and Montana nonprofit institutions and enduring initiatives.

Arthur Blank's mother

Molly Blank Fund

Focusing on programs addressing the interests Molly Blank supported in her lifetime, including youth, arts and culture, and Jewish causes.

Arthur Blank Montana foundation

Montana Initiatives

Supported and leveraged by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to advance foundation priorities, initiatives and areas of giving in Montana.

News & Insights

Across neighborhood and nation, we unite the courage and compassion of our communities to take on tough challenges and thrive together. Here are those stories.

Is Your Playground Ready for More Play? Apply Now for a Playspace Refresh Grant!
Founder InitiativesJuly 1, 2025

Is Your Playground Ready for More Play? Apply Now for a Playspace Refresh Grant!

Thanks to the generous support of the Atlanta Falcons Youth Fund and Georgia Power, KABOOM!...
A ‘Game-Changing’ Gift for Gun Violence Prevention
Founder InitiativesJune 26, 2025

A ‘Game-Changing’ Gift for Gun Violence Prevention

Just in time for Gun Violence Prevention Month, the Arthur M. Blank Family Family Foundation made a...
Paradise Valley Fire/EMS Department Received $300,000 Grant to Restore Emergency Response Capabilities
AMB West
Community Fund
May 29, 2025

Paradise Valley Fire/EMS Department Received $300,000 Grant to Restore Emergency Response Capabilities

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has awarded the Paradise Valley Fire/EMS Department a $300,000 grant...
Atlanta Falcons, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Further Support for Girls Flag Football in Georgia
Atlanta Falcons
Youth Fund
May 12, 2025

Atlanta Falcons, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Further Support for Girls Flag Football in Georgia

ATLANTA – With the support of the Atlanta Falcons and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation,...
Children’s Museum of Atlanta Expands Access It! Program to Serve More Title I Schools and Underserved Communities
Molly Blank
Fund
April 29, 2025

Children’s Museum of Atlanta Expands Access It! Program to Serve More Title I Schools and Underserved Communities

Additional reach made possible by support from the Molly Blank Fund ATLANTA – (April 29,...
Atlanta Humane Society fetches $2.5 million from Arthur Blank Foundation
Founder InitiativesApril 24, 2025

Atlanta Humane Society fetches $2.5 million from Arthur Blank Foundation

The Atlanta Humane Society announced on Tuesday that it has received a $2.5 million grant from The...
Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation gives $2.5M grant to Atlanta Humane Society
Founder InitiativesApril 23, 2025

Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation gives $2.5M grant to Atlanta Humane Society

Georgia’s pets are set to be in better hands. The Atlanta Humane Society on Tuesday...
 Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Awards $2.5 Million Grant to Atlanta Humane Society to Transform Animal Welfare Across Georgia 
Founder InitiativesApril 22, 2025

 Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Awards $2.5 Million Grant to Atlanta Humane Society to Transform Animal Welfare Across Georgia 

ATLANTA, GA — The Atlanta Humane Society has received a significant grant to launch a...
Blank Foundation awards $15 million to Outward Bound USA
Founder InitiativesApril 22, 2025

Blank Foundation awards $15 million to Outward Bound USA

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation in Atlanta has announced a five-year, $15 million grant to Outward Bound...
Blank Family Foundation Donates $2M To Russell Innovation Center For Entrepreneurs To Support Black Business Growth In Atlanta
Founder InitiativesApril 21, 2025

Blank Family Foundation Donates $2M To Russell Innovation Center For Entrepreneurs To Support Black Business Growth In Atlanta

The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), dedicated to expanding opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in Atlanta, GA,...
Empowering Youth Through Outdoor Education: Outward Bound USA
Founder InitiativesApril 15, 2025

Empowering Youth Through Outdoor Education: Outward Bound USA

Since 1962, Outward Bound USA (Outward Bound) has been dedicated to providing outdoor education programs...
Outward Bound USA Receives Transformational $15 Million Grant from Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to Expand Access to Outdoor Education
Founder InitiativesApril 15, 2025

Outward Bound USA Receives Transformational $15 Million Grant from Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to Expand Access to Outdoor Education

ATLANTA – Outward Bound USA is proud to announce that it has been awarded a...

Meet Our Team

Our associates are committed to healing and repairing the world. 

Margaret Connelly

Managing Director, Founder Initiatives

Margaret Connelly is the managing director of Founder Initiatives at the Arthur M. Blank Family...

Rachel Ward Jackson

DEPUTY DIRECTOR, FOUNDER INITIATIVES

Rachel Ward Jackson is the deputy director for Founder Initiatives at the Arthur M. Blank...

Tawnya Rupe Mraz

Sr. Director, Montana Philanthropy

Tawnya Rupe Mraz is the senior program director at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation....

Beau Boice, M.Ed.

SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER, FOUNDER INITIATIVES

Beau Boice joined the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation (AMBFF) on January 27, 2025, as...

Hannah Bowen

CHALLENGE COURSE AND BASECAMP MANAGER

Hannah Bowen is the manager of the AMB West Basecamp and Challenge Course. Her responsibilities...

Erik Hinton

CHALLENGE COURSE AND BASECAMP ASSISTANT MANAGER

Erik Hinton is the assistant manager of the AMB West Basecamp and Challenge Course. His...

Whitney Lane

PROGRAM MANAGER - WEST CREEK RANCH, AMB WEST CHALLENGE COURSE, AMB WEST BASECAMP

Whitney Lane is a Program Manager at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. In this...

Lauryn Lawrence

ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROGRAM ASSOCIATE

Lauryn Lawrence is an Administrative and Program Associate at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation....

Abigail Lawson

Grants Management & Administrative Associate

Abigail Lawson is the grants management and administrative associate at the Arthur M. Blank Family...

Stay Connected

Stay up to date with stories of impact, grants in your neighborhood and other interesting foundation news. 


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