Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

Overview

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia. Established in 1995 by Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons, the foundation aims to promote positive change in people's lives and enhance the communities in which they reside[1][2].

Mission and Goals

The foundation's mission focuses on creating sustainable and inclusive communities. It supports a variety of initiatives, including democracy, environmental conservation, mental health and wellbeing, and founder-driven initiatives[4]. The foundation's strategic giving areas are structured under two primary thematic areas: Fostering Opportunity and Enhancing Quality of Life.

• Fostering Opportunity includes initiatives such as Better Beginnings, which targets early childhood development for children between birth and five years, and Pathways to Success, which aims to increase access to postsecondary education for teenagers[1].
• Enhancing Quality of Life encompasses Inspiring Spaces, which supports greenspace acquisition and park development, and The Art of Change, which underwrites arts programming, including projects like building a new hall for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra[1].

Geographic Focus

The foundation primarily supports charitable causes in geographic areas where the Blank family has roots or residences, including Atlanta, Maricopa County in Arizona, and Beaufort County in South Carolina. Additionally, the foundation supports activities in Atlanta's Westside and Montana through affiliated foundations like the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation and the Mountain Sky Guest Ranch Fund[1][3].

Philanthropic Impact

Since its inception, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has awarded over $1 billion in grants to charitable causes[2][3]. The foundation continues to evolve, increasingly involving the next generation of the Blank family in its decision-making processes[3].

Governance and Facilities

The foundation operates from a family office, which is also home to the administrative offices of Arthur M. Blank, LLC. This facility was the first office building in Georgia to achieve LEED Gold certification for environmental design, reflecting the family's commitment to sustainability[1]. The board of directors includes Arthur Blank and several family members, alongside non-family members[5].

Legacy and Future

Arthur Blank emphasizes the importance of family engagement in philanthropy, noting that the vast majority of his estate will be dedicated to philanthropic endeavors through the foundation[3]. The foundation is positioned to continue its impact, balancing family values with community needs and input from younger family members[3].