Concrete Foundation to Become A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund New Fiscal Sponsor
As we announce a new partnership, we’d like to take a moment to introduce our community to the A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund (AMBTIF). AMBTIF is dedicated to empowering diverse and underserved youth by introducing them to the transformative sport of rowing. The fund aims to equip these young individuals with the tools to become champions in their communities, on the water, and in life.
The fund was established following the success of the award-winning book and film, "A Most Beautiful Thing," which tells the story of Arshay Cooper and the Manley Crew. Arshay Cooper, an award-winning author and motivational speaker, leads the fund's efforts to build a diverse, inclusive, and equitable sport in rowing.
For the past several years, the Center has played host to a week-long sculling camp of AMBTIF athletes. Additionally, Concept2 has been providing oars and ergs to AMBTIF to support the non-profit’s goals to ensure that all rowers, regardless of background or income status, start from the same level playing field. Having enjoyed working together in these ways, we were honored when they asked if Concrete Foundation might be willing to serve as fiscal sponsors for AMBTIF. Their work in providing equitable access to lifelong sport aligns well with our mission.
Read more about the AMBTIF including how to donate and support their work at their website. We’ve excerpted the press release from AMBTIF below announcing the new partnership.
The folks at Craftsbury
We are excited to share that as of March 1, 2025, the A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund (AMBTIF) has officially transitioned to a new fiscal sponsor: the Concrete Foundation, established by Concept2 founders Dick Dreissigacker and Judy Geer.
Over the years, we've built a strong partnership with Concept2, perhaps the most world renowned brand in our sport, and the Concrete Foundation (operator of Craftsbury Outdoor Center) through our leadership rowing camps, regatta collaborations, and their generous support in providing equipment to young rowers. Given our shared mission of expanding access to rowing - both nationally and globally - this transition positions AMBTIF for even greater growth, sustainability, and long-term impact.
We are incredibly grateful to the George Pocock Rowing Foundation (GPRF) for their fiscal sponsorship over the past several years. Their support made it possible for us to introduce thousands of young people from under-resourced communities to rowing and build AMBTIF into what it is today.
If you have any questions about this transition or need assistance with donations, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for being part of this journey - we couldn't do it without you!
Alex Osborne - AMBTIF Board Chair: "This transition builds on our strong partnership with Concept2 and Craftsbury. With Dick and Judy's leadership and global reach, we're perfectly aligned to expand access to rowing in under-resourced communities everywhere."
Judy Geer - Co-Founder of C2 and Founder of Concrete Foundation - "It's a perfect fit with our mission of supporting participation and excellence in a lifelong sport."
Jenn Gibbons - Executive Director of the GPRF - "Every great and new movement in our sport needs a place to call home and get off the ground. Doing this work with Arshay and incubating the fund in its infancy has been an honor and joy, full of shared learning and success. We are so excited to see where Arshay and Concrete take this work next, and we'll be its biggest fans from the West Coast."
