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
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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  • 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

    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.

    Strengthening partnerships & collaborating for impact: It’s what we do. 🤝

    Last week, we brought together Gambrell partners, grantees, and thought leaders from around the globe to dream big. Conversations were rooted in our ongoing work on what it means to live a great life—how ...relationships, belonging, awe, purpose, and chance shape our paths.

    We’re building a community of hopeful thinkers, tinkerers, and dreamers that combine research, policies, programs, reflections, and universal lived experiences to make waves. ✨ We cannot wait to share more soon. 📸: @creators.collab

    Remember this? Last May, we packed the theatre at @queensuniv’s Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts as we welcomed Dacher Keltner to Charlotte. 🎟️ 900+ folks gathered to learn more about awe and how it can transform lives.

    How do you infuse awe and wonder into your everyday ...routine? 💬 #LivingGreatly #Awe #Wonder

    Purpose isn’t something we wait to find—it’s something we build right now. 👉🏼 In our latest Q&A, @tee_esq_93 shares how @purposecommons is creating spaces where young people don’t just join conversations—they lead them. When we put purpose at the center, we transform education, ...strengthen communities, and help youth thrive.

    Head to the link in our bio to read the full interview. 🔗

    #PurposeDriven #YouthEmpowerment #LiveGreatly #CommunityBuilding

    After meeting @emma.holten earlier this year, our president added her latest work to his book stack immediately. 📖👏 Both Sally and Brian have been digging in — will you join us and let us know your thoughts?! 💭

    Toss the confetti. It’s time to celebrate! 🎉🎂 Happy Birthday to our Vice President, Brian Bridgford! Thank you for encouraging us to explore even the wildest ideas and for reminding us that there is always time for a sweet treat.

    Let’s show him some birthday love today!