Chapter Announcements

Summit Registration Is Now Open — August 26–29, 2026 · Atlanta, Georgia

The AMB 40th Anniversary National Program Summit & National Basketball Tournament is taking place August 26–29, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. This is a landmark event for all AMB chapters — four days of programming sessions, leadership workshops, the National Midnight Basketball Tournament, a 40th Anniversary Gala, and more.

Registration is open to chapter directors, chapter staff, national staff, partner organizations, alumni, and community guests. Chapter teams are invited to enter the National Tournament. Register as many attendees as needed — one form per person.

• August 26 (Wed) — Registration & Check-In, Welcome Reception
• August 27 (Thu) — Leadership Summit Sessions, Workshops
• August 28 (Fri) — National Tournament Rounds, 40th Anniversary Gala
• August 29 (Sat) — Tournament Finals, Awards Ceremony, Closing

Antioch, CA Chapter Officially Launches — Welcome Our Newest Chapter!

AMB is proud to welcome the Antioch, California Chapter as our newest licensed chapter! The Antioch Chapter joins AMB's California family of six chapters — the state with the largest concentration of AMB programs in the nation. The Antioch chapter will serve youth in Contra Costa County beginning with a pilot session in Summer 2026.

All chapters are encouraged to reach out with support, shared resources, and welcome messages. Contact National HQ for an introduction to the Antioch chapter director.

AMB Sets $5 Million Strategic Investment Goal for 2026

AMB National has announced a strategic investment goal of $5,000,000 to support our 40th Anniversary expansion initiative. This funding will support:

• Expansion to the top 10 major U.S. cities
• Serving a minimum of 65,000 youth over 3 years
• Supporting new chapter launches and existing chapter capacity
• National marketing and awareness campaign

Chapter administrators can support this effort by engaging local corporate sponsors and applying for grants using the resources in the portal. See the Grants & Funding section for current opportunities.

Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation Local Grant Program — Apply Now

The Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation Local Grant Program is open for its 4th consecutive year. Awards up to $25,000 for local nonprofits serving mental health needs in their communities. This is an excellent fit for AMB chapters with active Health components, including the SCARED STIFF partner program and the broader Midnight Basketball League Program's crime prevention model.

Key Requirements: 501(c)(3) status, local community service focus, mental health programming. Applications require a short proposal.

Annual Chapter Administrator Training Conference — Registration Open

AMB National is hosting the 2026 Annual Chapter Administrator Training Conference. All chapter directors and key staff are strongly encouraged to attend. This year's conference will feature:

• Full-day SCARED STIFF partner program facilitator training and certification
• Grant writing workshop with hands-on application development
• Budget planning and financial management breakout sessions
• Chapter director roundtable — share best practices and challenges
• 40th Anniversary celebration gala

Location & Date: TBD — Contact National HQ to express interest and receive updates.

Annual Chapter Compliance Review — Renewal Deadline Approaching

All licensed AMB chapters must complete their annual compliance review and chapter renewal by March 31, 2026. Chapters that do not complete renewal by this date will be placed on inactive status and will not appear in the national chapter directory.

Renewal checklist includes:

• Updated Board of Directors roster (names and addresses)
• Proof of current 501(c)(3) status
• Signed AMB Code of Ethics (chapter director + staff)
• Previous year session report (if not already submitted)
• Annual license fee payment

Mandatory Requirements Notice: Government Funding Eligibility — March 3, 2025

AMB issued a formal mandatory requirements notice on March 3, 2025 establishing clear guidelines for entities seeking to operate a Midnight Basketball League Program™ or secure government funding. Key points:

• All operating chapters must hold independent 501(c)(3) status
• Only licensed AMB chapters may use the Midnight Basketball League Program™ name and model
• Government grant applications must be coordinated with National HQ
• Compliance with all chapter operational requirements is mandatory for funding eligibility

This notice applies to all government entities, municipal programs, and organizations seeking to affiliate with AMB or apply for grants using the AMB name or model.

June 18, 2026 — 40th Anniversary Founding Celebration in Glenarden, MD

Mark your calendars — June 18, 2026 marks exactly 40 years since the first Midnight Basketball League Program™ game was played in Glenarden, Maryland. AMB will host a founding celebration event at the original Glenarden location. All chapter directors are invited to attend.

The event will include:

• Recognition of founding members and chapter pioneers
• 40th Anniversary basketball tournament
• Gala dinner and awards ceremony
• 40th Anniversary campaign launch — public fundraising push
• Media day and press conference with chapter directors

2025 Sponsorship & Partnership Deck Now Available

AMB National's updated 2025 Sponsorship & Partnership Deck is now available for chapter use. Use it when approaching corporate sponsors, presenting to city officials, or pitching at events. Key highlights include:

• Updated 40-year history and impact narrative
• $5M strategic investment goal and expansion plans
• Tiered sponsorship packages (Title, Gold, Silver, Bronze)
• Return-on-investment data for corporate partners
• Chapter-specific customization guidelines