Learning directly from communities around the globe and bringing ideas for a great life home.
The Gambrell Foundation’s Expeditions take us to places where communities have built neighborhoods, gathering spaces, places of worship and beyond to help people thrive.
We travel with purpose to cities worldwide to see firsthand how their history, policies, and practices create communities where most residents experience:
Our expeditions help us form bonds that often become lifelong connections and partnerships. The people we meet continue to inform and inspire our work long after we return home.
Want to learn how other places help their citizens live greatly? Read more about what we collectively learn during our Expeditions as we search for practical solutions to bring back to Charlotte and beyond.
It is through these lessons that we will cultivate not just knowledgeable individuals, but mindful, empathetic, resilient, and inspired leaders.
Dr. Ingrid Medlock
A good life includes access to the ideas, traditions, and wisdom that help you figure out who you are and your purpose in this world. 📖💡
@embassyofthefreemind, one our newest grant partners, has launched a refreshed website — and it’s a beautiful new home for exactly that kind of... thinking.
Pop over to the link in our bio to learn more about the Embassy. 📸: @peebsproductions
Since its inception, the Gambrell Foundation Faculty Fellowship has named 59 faculty Fellows and supported more than 36 research and creative projects across seven @unccharlotte colleges.
The Fellowship exists because we believe research and community don’t have to live in separate ...worlds. Assistant Professor @kyle_spence’s “Roots of Change” project at @deeprootscpsfarm is proof of that. 🌱
🔗 Link in bio to read more and watch the story unfold.
Since 1925, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award has gone to people who don’t just talk about service — they build their lives around it. 🏆👏🏼 @queensuniv
This year, that person is our CEO, @sallygbridgford. We’re so proud of you, Sally! 🥹
An awe walk isn’t just a walk. 🚶🏾♀️✨
In a recent episode of @scienceofhappinesspod, Dacher Keltner heads to Harlem and explores how the history and beauty woven into our public spaces can spark connection, perspective, and a deeper sense of who we are.
Look up. ...Look around. It’s all right there.
Episode link in bio. 🎧
Today’s the perfect day for a WOWSABOUT! 🦋✨
The Wowsabout special premieres on @pbskids today: Friday, May 1st! We are thrilled to be a part of bringing Roxy, Ronald, and their incredible sense of awe and wonder to life.
Check airtimes for your local PBS affiliate and let... us know what you think!
What do Charlotte kids actually love to do? And what gets in the way? 🏓🤹♂️🧩
Enter: the City of Hobbies Youth Fellowship
Know a 10th or 11th-grader in Mecklenburg County ready to show up for their community? Encourage them to apply. Link in bio. 🔗
...Applications close May 3rd.
Always conspiring for good 🌎 What a joy to meet up with a few of our favorite collaborators and friends at @citylab Madrid 2026!
We’re thrilled to share that Melissa Nemec has been named Managing Director of The Gambrell Foundation. 🌟
Over the past three years with the Foundation, Melissa has developed a deep understanding of our mission, grantees, partnerships, and internal operations, and has played an ...integral role in shaping how the work is carried out.
If you know her, you know she has been a steady, joyful*, committed force behind how we operate and how we show up for our Gambrell Galaxy. *See picture two for supporting evidence.
In her new role, Melissa will oversee day-to-day operations, strengthen partner and stakeholder relationships, and ensure the effective execution of our mission and priorities, while our CEO will continue to steer the Foundation’s overall vision and strategic direction.
Join us in celebrating the big news! 👏🏼
