Thriving Together Newsletter

November 2023

Foundation Updates

From Classroom to Community: The MT 988 Project's Statewide Journey

Montana State University (MSU) student Emerson Egloff designed the poster above to help promote the National Suicide Prevention Line through the MT 988 Banner Project. For Egloff, it's important for people to know that asking for help is a courageous act and the 988 hotline is one of many resources available to them.

Our AMB West Community Fund is proud to support the MT 988 Project, which is creating a supportive network, eradicating stigma, and prioritizing mental health support in Montana.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Learn more about the MT 988 Project

Transforming Youth Sports With Virtual Reality

Emory University's GIVES Program, funded by a $4.5 million grant from the Blank Family Foundation, revolutionizes youth athlete training with virtual reality (VR). The initiative enhances athletic development and prioritizes safety by collecting data for injury treatment and return-to-play decisions. The program collaborates with educators and coaches to reach underserved districts, aiming to empower young athletes and expand access to advanced training methods.

Learn more about this innovative initiative

Winning Goal for Atlanta Communities

Our Atlanta United Community Fund, in collaboration with MARTA, Soccer in the Streets, the City of Atlanta, Georgia Power and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, recently celebrated the opening of StationSoccer at East Lake Station. StationSoccer aims to link a network of soccer fields using MARTA transportation, making soccer more accessible to Atlanta communities. It's not just about athletic development; it's about creating safe, supportive spaces for youth.

For more information on Soccer in the Streets and to find times to play at station fields, click here.

Stories From Our Grantees

Strengthening Emergency Relief With YachtAid Global

The DreAMBoat Community Fund, one of our associate-led giving committees, has awarded YachtAid Global (YAG) a $100,000 grant to establish an emergency disaster relief fund. YAG, a leader in disaster response and humanitarian aid, will use this grant to provide rapid relief and recovery support to communities in need. This partnership exemplifies the yachting community's commitment to helping coastal communities worldwide in times of crisis, reinforcing the shared belief that we should care for one another and our environment.

Learn more about our DreAMBoat Community Fund

Empowering Montana's Youth

In September 2023, we provided a grant to Accelerate Montana to empower young people in rural and Indigenous communities. Accelerate Montana collaborates with schools, nonprofits and colleges, including Tribal Colleges and Universities, to offer inclusive skill-based training. Programs like Montana Code School and the Rural Innovation Initiative provide participants with relevant, high-demand skills.

Our support empowers Accelerate Montana to analyze program impact, enhance access, and serve rural and Indigenous populations, aligning with our commitment to youth development.

Learn more about Accelerate Montana

Saluting Our Veterans: A Year of Support and Impact

This past Veterans Day and every day, we honor the dedication of our Armed Forces—from our associates within the Blank Family of Businesses to the families of veterans worldwide. Our Veterans Community Fund, led by BFOB associates, is focused on opportunities, purpose and support for veterans.

We’re excited to expand our Veterans Community Fund grantmaking in Montana. Stay in the loop by following us on social media—trust us, you won't want to miss this Montana update!

Learn more about our Veterans Community Fund

Embrace the Season of Gratitude

Find peace and inspiration in nature's beauty with Filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg's healing meditation video series. Join us on a journey of thanks as we immerse ourselves in the world's breathtaking beauty. Click the photo below to watch our #WorldGratitudeDay video and more on our YouTube channel.

Meet Our Team

Lisa Zook

Sr. Officer, Effective Philanthropy

Q1: Can you explain what Effective Philanthropy means to our readers?

Lisa: Effective philanthropy creates impact by addressing complex issues. The Effective Philanthropy team develops evidence-based strategies, measures progress, and fosters continuous learning across program teams.

Q2: Your journey from running your own consulting firm to being a part of the Effective Philanthropy team is fascinating. What was one of the biggest lessons you learned while running your own firm?

Lisa: I learned so many things, but one that stands out to me is the art of asking great questions. To make a real impact, we had to quickly understand what was happening by asking the right questions that led to new ideas.

Lisa carrying out data collection in Nepal

Q3: We've heard that you're an avid traveler! What have been your favorite destinations so far?

Lisa: My heart belongs to South Africa—it transformed my career. Living in a Durban township for a year studying community health and working with Grassroot Soccer set me on a path that included years in Ghana and Malawi, 12 years in international development, and numerous trips abroad.

Before joining AMBFF, I traveled to and from Nepal for work, always adding trekking adventures. Now, limited to domestic travel as we wait for my husband's green card, we're eager to explore the beauty of the U.S., especially the Southeast!

Lisa with her husband, Cameron Ryall at their wedding elopement on Mt. Baker in the North Cascades.

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