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

    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! 👏🏼

    The latest episode of The Science of Happiness podcast visits San Francisco’s first parklet to explore how reclaiming everyday spaces creates connection, belonging, and awe. We’re thrilled to be a sponsor of the new Cities of Awe series and proud to support this work. Link in bio. 🔗🌆

    “How often we are shaped by the resources available to us rather than the sacredness, possibility, and belonging of the people before us?” 💬 Read more from @clturbaninstitute’s Dr. Lori Thomas on our blog.

    Link in bio.

    Thank you to everyone who joined us as we welcomed @susanmagsamen to the @gambrell_center stage for our inaugural Author Series event on March 4.

    Here’s a peek at scenes from an evening filled with the science behind how the arts transform us, singing (yes, really), and laughter. HUGE ...thank you to all of the partners who made this possible: @cmlibfoundation, @queensuniv, and @ally.

    Video: @peebsproductions

    Today we celebrate @sallygbridgford! ☘️🌈🎉 Join us in wishing our endlessly curious, openly fearless, and incredibly AWE-some CEO a very happy birthday. Here’s to another year of bringing bold ideas to life!

    📸: @peebsproductions