Explorations

We venture into interesting ideas for fun.

 Explorations are our mental journeys.

Intellectual curiosity is at the heart of living greatly. The Gambrell Foundation intentionally creates space for exploration and discovery, and we courageously explore ideas that might seem overambitious today but could shift how we think about living greatly tomorrow. We explore challenging philosophical questions, and we study new approaches and solutions that have the potential to transform our communities.

 We go deep with big thinkers on topics that shape the quality of our lives. These are more than research projects — we embark on thoughtful journeys through fascinating and sometimes unusual ideas. Our explorations push boundaries and challenge assumptions. Some of the most significant breakthroughs come from letting curiosity lead the way.


Want to join our search for ideas that could transform how people experience life? Accompany us on our explorations to create a reservoir of rich ideas, fuel our imaginations, and expand the possibilities for living greatly. Then, elevate those ideas to create something new and meaningful.

Exploration Stories

Featured Story
Featured Story
Learning to See Differently: A Study in Care and Connection Abroad
I’m heading abroad with the Gambrell Foundation, hoping to learn new ways of seeing. In Finland and Denmark I want to better understand how people create and nurture belonging in everyday life, and what those lessons might mean for us at home. “We are all responsible for bringing each other alive.” — Rowan Williams
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How the Built Environment Shapes our Emotional State
Imagine if our cities went beyond meeting our basic needs. What if they made us feel supported, valued and cared for? How would our lives change if streets weren’t just for movement but for moments of spontaneous discovery? What if our city’s public spaces didn’t simply tolerate people using them but were designed to inspire, spark social connection, and strengthen bonds between neighbors?
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4,000 Weeks: A Wake-Up Call
I finally did the math: If I’m lucky, I have 884 weeks left to live. And no, I don’t have a sudden terminal illness to disclose. Last year, I received a copy of Oliver Burkeman’s latest book: “4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals.” It was life changing. The premise: If you live to be 80, […]
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Embracing a Sense of Awe: How Wonder Can Transform Our Community
Have you ever had an experience so powerful that it made you question your understanding of the world, the kind of moment that stops you in your tracks to say “wow” — in other words, a moment of awe? Recently, two very different groups of local residents had this type of transformative experience during trips […]
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  • How the Built Environment Shapes our Emotional State
    Imagine if our cities went beyond meeting our basic needs. What if they made us feel supported, valued and cared for? How would our lives change if streets weren’t just for movement but for moments of spontaneous discovery? What if our city’s public spaces didn’t simply tolerate people using them but were designed to inspire, spark social connection, and strengthen bonds between neighbors?
    Learn More
  • 4,000 Weeks: A Wake-Up Call
    I finally did the math: If I’m lucky, I have 884 weeks left to live. And no, I don’t have a sudden terminal illness to disclose. Last year, I received a copy of Oliver Burkeman’s latest book: “4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals.” It was life changing. The premise: If you live to be 80, […]
    Learn More
  • Embracing a Sense of Awe: How Wonder Can Transform Our Community
    Have you ever had an experience so powerful that it made you question your understanding of the world, the kind of moment that stops you in your tracks to say “wow” — in other words, a moment of awe? Recently, two very different groups of local residents had this type of transformative experience during trips […]
    Learn More

    Follow Our Journey

    This past June, The Gambrell Foundation gathered our thought partners from across the globe to hold space to think more deeply about the ingredients for a great life. ✨

    Together, we envisioned a world where everyone can live greatly and strategized about how to build upon each other’s... ideas to make that vision a reality.

    🎥 Thank you to @creators.collab capturing a bit of the magic - full video on our LinkedIn page.

    👀 a peek behind the process

    Have you had a chance to read any of the insights from our June Partner Convening attendees? If not, head to our blog and dive in. We’re still floored with this beautiful illustration from Makayla, created for our summer event.

    📲🎨: ...@makaylabinter_

    when the book stack matches our branding ✨💯 (pictured: a few of our favorites)

    On the Blog ➡️ Guest Post: “Exploring How Two Cities Use Public Space, Culture, and Community to Create Connection”

    As @apwall_11 writes, belonging isn’t automatic—cities must build it intentionally.

    Read Allie’s full reflection at the link in our bio. 🔗

    The DifferenceMakers CLT program empowers youth voices and brings together students and community leaders to learn, be inspired, ask questions, speak up, and take action.

    See highlights from this year’s trip to our nation’s capital at the link in our bio. 🔗

    Full recap ...video coming soon!
    📸 @creators.collab

    We partner with dreamers, thinkers, and tinkerers committed to testing promising ideas that help people truly live greatly. 💡✨

    Our grant and thought partners span various fields of study and experience but share our vision of communities where people find purpose, experience awe, and ...build meaningful connections.

    Can we take a moment to appreciate the magic of @makaylabinter_? 💯✨ Thank you for creating such an AWE-some design for our recent convening.

    In our latest Q&A with @richardvreeves of @aibm_org, he reminds us that gender equality isn’t a zero-sum game. When we support struggling boys and men, we strengthen our entire social fabric.

    Read the full conversation, now on our website. 🔗 Link in bio.