Manatee Community Foundation

06/06/2026

Building a stronger community takes partnership, vision, and a shared commitment to creating opportunities for all. Today, we’re proud to recognize our Platinum Corporate Ambassadors whose leadership and investment help drive meaningful impact for Manatee and our region. 💙

🔹Blalock Walters – Providing trusted legal counsel while demonstrating a deep commitment to strengthening the communities where they live and work.

🔹 Florida Power & Light – Powering our communities while investing in resilience, sustainability, and initiatives that help Florida thrive.

🔹 Manatee County, Florida Government – Investing in the people, infrastructure, and services that enhance quality of life and support a thriving community.

🔹 Manatee Health – Delivering compassionate healthcare and advancing community wellness through service, outreach, and care.

🔹 Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa – Creating memorable experiences for visitors and residents alike while contributing to the economic vitality of our region.

🔹 The Mosaic Company – A longstanding community partner committed to supporting education, environmental stewardship, workforce development, and economic opportunity.

🔹 OnPlace – A leader in social infrastructure design and placemaking, OnPlace helps transform developments into vibrant, connected communities where people thrive, belong, and build meaningful relationships.

🔹 Oysters Rock Hospitality – Bringing people together through exceptional hospitality and a commitment to supporting local causes and community connections.

🔹 Regions Bank – Supporting financial wellness, economic growth, and charitable initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods and families.

🔹 WUSF Public Media – Connecting our region through trusted journalism, education, and storytelling that informs and inspires.

06/04/2026

06/04/2026

When we invest in young people, we invest in the future of our entire community. 🌟

As the school-year comes to a close, Manatee Community Foundation’s The Giving Gallery is spotlighting projects helping children and teens across our region learn, grow, and thrive. 📚 📏 🎓

From hands-on marine science education through Minorities in Shark Sciences, to expanded academic and character development programs at the Bradenton Dream Center , to Life & Workforce Readiness programming at Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County — these initiatives are creating opportunity and opening doors for local youth.

Projects also include critical classroom improvements at United Community Centers, Holocaust education resources for grades 5–12 through the The Florida Holocaust Museum, and SCHOOL ATTENDANCE SUPPORT, INC. - a 501(c)(3) Organization’s efforts to provide personal care and essential items to students across Manatee County schools.

We invite you to explore The Giving Gallery and discover ways to make a lasting impact. 🔗 https://manateecf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/grant?grant_cycle_id=1000

✨ Support a project directly.
✨ Recommend a grant through your MCF fund.
✨ Invest in the next generation of leaders, learners, and changemakers.

Together, we can help every child reach their full potential. 💙💚💙

06/02/2026

📢 Nonprofit leaders: Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your fundraising capacity and grow your impact.

Our partners at The Patterson Foundation are accepting applications for Cohort 5 of “Fueling Dynamic Fundraising.” 🔥

In partnership with Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, this program provides fully funded, in-person fundraising training along with ongoing learning and peer connections through a cohort-based experience.

If your organization is looking to strengthen fundraising strategy, build capacity, and position itself for long-term success, this is an opportunity worth exploring.

⏰ Applications close June 4. Learn more and apply through the link below! ⬇️

TPF is now accepting applications through June 4 for Cohort 5 of Fueling Dynamic Fundraising (FDF), an initiative designed to help organizations strengthen fundraising capacity and impact.

In partnership with University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s The Fund Raising School, FDF offers two fully funded, in-person courses plus access to continued learning opportunities through a cohort-based experience.

Fuel your fundraising potential. Discover what’s possible! https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/nonprofit-thrivability/fueling-fundraising-potential.html

Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Fund Raising School

06/01/2026

Manatee Community Foundation believes strong nonprofits build strong communities. That's why we're committed to being more than a funder - we strive to be a trusted resource and partner to the organizations working every day to make Manatee County stronger, healthier, and more vibrant.

One way we do that is through , our learning and networking series designed to help nonprofit professionals, board members, and community leaders build capacity, strengthen their organizations, and connect with peers. 🌱🌿🌳

📖 In this recent SRQ Magazine’s Daily Perspectives, we share more about why capacity building matters and how Manatee Connects is helping equip nonprofit leaders with practical tools, knowledge, and connections to advance their missions.

📅 If you're part of a nonprofit organization, we invite you to join us this Wednesday for our next Manatee Connects session on “The Board-Staff Partnership” with Betsy Steiner. We hope you'll be part of the conversation and leave with ideas, resources, and connections you can put into practice right away.

🔗 Sign up to join us here!
https://manateecf.org/events/manatee-connects/

If I meet someone new outside of my work circle, occasionally I’m asked, “What does a community foundation actually do?”

05/29/2026

We were honored to host the Latino Collaborative bringing together local leaders, nonprofit professionals, and community advocates who serve our region's growing Latino community.

These conversations help strengthen partnerships, elevate community voices, and create pathways to greater economic mobility and educational attainment across Manatee.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our partners at UnidosNow and Dreamers Academy for their continued leadership in convening this important network.

Together, we are building a more connected, informed, and a thriving community for all.

05/28/2026

🌳 Co-Invest with us! Through Manatee Community Foundation’s The Giving Gallery, we’re shining a light on projects building healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities across our region.

We’re kicking things off with featured Health & Human Services projects creating meaningful impact across Manatee County and our region:

🦷 Genesis Health Services is expanding access to dental care while preparing individuals for workforce opportunities.

📚 Parenting Matters is celebrating 30 years of strengthening families through critical support and resources for parents and caregivers.

💻 Project Light of Manatee County, Inc. is helping adult English learners build brighter futures through language instruction and computer literacy programs.

🎓 UnidosNow is expanding summer learning opportunities for first-generation students and helping open doors to educational success.

✨ Every act of generosity matters.
✨ Every investment creates impact.

Support a featured project directly or recommend support through your MCF Fund to help advance the causes closest to your heart. 💙

🔗 Link here: https://manateecf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/grant?grant_cycle_id=1000

05/27/2026

Strong organizations don’t happen by accident - they’re built on trust, clarity, and aligned leadership. ✨

Join Manatee Community Foundation for the next : Nonprofit Success Series session…

🔹 The Board–Staff Partnership: Roles, Trust & Accountability
📅 Wednesday, June 3
🕣 8:30 AM Networking | 9 AM Program
🎤 Facilitated by Betsy Steiner, Director & Senior Consultant, Investment in Incredible
📍 Hosted at MCF

When boards and staff are aligned, organizations move further, faster. This session will help you:

• Clarify the distinct & complementary roles of board and staff
• Strengthen communication, trust, & alignment

Designed especially for organizations in the seed 🌱and growth 🌿 stages, this is a valuable opportunity to build a stronger foundation for impact.

🔗 Register: ManateeCF.org/manatee-connects

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. 🇺🇸 Their courage, service, and legacy will never be forgotten.

In observance of Memorial Day, our offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, and will reopen on Tuesday, May 26.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful day of remembrance. 🤍