WE BELIEVE …the long-term health of the land is intertwined with the health of the communities that rely on its natural resources. With this recognition, the AMB West Conservation Fund supports programs, policies, and leadership that enable human and ecological communities in the Paradise Valley to thrive.
The AMB West Conservation Fund strives to incorporate The Blank Family of Businesses Core Values in all aspects of its conservation giving. In addition, the Fund adheres to the same values that the Blank Family follows in managing its AMB West ranch properties.
In its conservation philanthropy, the family and Foundation directors honor these values by listening to and learning from residents; recognizing that navigating tradeoffs requires thoughtful, inclusive approaches; encouraging collaboration among partners working for collective impact; and investing in long-term solutions that ensure the ecologically unique natural resources of Paradise Valley will thrive for generations to come.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The AMB West Conservation Fund supports high-impact projects in the Paradise Valley that enhance the ability of human and ecological communities in the valley to thrive over the long term. The Fund seeks collaborative solutions that consider the Paradise Valley as a system, irrespective of property or jurisdictional boundaries.
To accomplish the Foundation’s goals, the board makes disciplined and intentional funding decisions based on these guidelines. The Foundation continually monitors and adjusts strategies to adapt to evolving conditions and opportunities. The Foundation will consider funding for programs and delivery of services, convening, policy and advocacy, research, general operating support, or training and technical assistance.
At present, the Foundation seeks to support programs that focus on:
The Upper Yellowstone River Watershed –
Improve the long-term health of the river system, including water quality, water availability, habitat improvement, and drought preparedness and response.
Wildlife –
Enhance habitat for wildlife or enhance the ability of wildlife to move and migrate across the landscape to adapt to changing conditions.
Working landowner sustainability –
Enhance the ability of agricultural and working landowners to remain on the land, preserving and enhancing the cultural, ecological, and economic heritage of the Paradise Valley.
How to Apply for a Grant
The AMB West Conservation Fund welcomes grant inquiries. The grant process begins with nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to the Foundation. In two to three pages, the LOI should summarize the project, the timeline and the budget needs. The LOI should also include notes about any critical partnerships already in place and the status of funding from other sources.
Blank Foundation staff will review and follow-up with organizations submitting LOIs to determine whether to invite a full grant application. Full proposals are by invitation only and will be evaluated based on the proposal’s impact, leverage, influence, and scale, as well as proposed methodology, expected outcomes, and evaluation methodology. The Blank Foundation Board of Directors makes all grant decisions.
The AMB West Conservation Fund does not fund:
Organizations that are not classified as 501(c)(3) public charities by the Internal Revenue Service.
Support for candidates for political office or to lobby in support of or against legislation.
Please direct inquiries to: Tawnya Rupe, Senior Program Director, AMB West Philanthropies at TawnyaR@ambwest.com.
