Manatee Community Foundation

08/28/2026

Today’s Manatee Chamber of Commerce Small Business & Non-Profit Awards was a wonderful celebration of the people and organizations helping Manatee County thrive.

MCF was a proud Award Sponsor and VP of Philanthropy, Yolanda Mancha, presented the Non-Profit of the Year Award to the Manatee County Fair/Manatee River Fair Association. Congratulations to them and to fellow winner, United Way Suncoast! 🎉

We also celebrate every non-profit nominee and finalist whose work meets critical needs, creates opportunity, and makes a meaningful, lasting impact in our community. And congratulations to all of the small businesses whose innovation and dedication strengthen every day.

MCF’s walk up song, Dolly Parton’s, “9 to 5” - was a fitting reminder that for so many of the leaders we celebrate, there really is no 9 to 5. Their commitment extends far beyond a workday because their work is rooted in purpose, impact, and legacy!

At Manatee Community Foundation, we’re proud to grow together, build on legacy, and lift community alongside so many incredible partners and leaders. 💙

08/28/2026

🖤 Today is Give 8/28 — a national day of giving rooted in Black philanthropy, community, and collective action.

As we celebrate Black Philanthropy Month, we’re reminded that philanthropy is about more than giving - it’s about investing in communities, addressing inequities, and supporting leaders who are creating meaningful change.

Learn more about the organizations participating in and find a way to make your giving count today.

🔗 https://www.give828.org/

08/24/2026

📈 For our next session, we’re moving beyond the headlines and into the numbers.

Join Leah McDermott, Vice President of Policy and Programs at Florida Nonprofit Alliance, for a look at findings from the 2025 Florida Nonprofits Survey & 2026 Nonprofit Economic Impact Report and what they reveal about the realities facing nonprofits today.

📅 Wednesday, August 26
⏰ 9:00 AM
💻 Virtual via Zoom

We’ll dig into nonprofit economic impact, organizational health, financial sustainability, staffing, volunteer engagement and the ways organizations are responding to changing needs.

Most importantly, we’ll consider how this data can help nonprofit leaders make smarter decisions, strengthen their organizations and plan for what’s ahead.

Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity. Bring your organization’s perspective.

Let’s turn data into insight and insight into action!

🔗 https://manateecf.org/events/manatee-connects/

08/20/2026

What does it take to build an organization that is ready for the future? A willingness to keep learning, evolving and welcoming new perspectives. 🍃🌱🌿

In her latest guest editorial for SRQ Magazine’s SRQ Perspectives, Manatee Community Foundation CEO, Veronica Thames, explores the idea that “becoming is better than being” - and how a growth mindset applies not only to individuals, but to nonprofit organizations and the boards that guide them.

Read more of Veronica’s take on building boards that help prepare organizations to serve its community today, tomorrow and for generations to come.

Pictured: From left to right: Steve Roskamp, Jennifer Schembrii, Buzz Turner, Anthony Baldo, Ryan Denton, and Jose Flores. Provided photo.

08/18/2026

🗳️ It’s Election Day! Today is an opportunity to make your voice heard. Every vote matters, and every vote is an important part of shaping the communities we call home. 🇺🇸

📍 Manatee County voters: Polls are open 7 a.m.–7 p.m. today. Find your assigned polling location and voter information at Manatee County Supervisor Of Elections.

🔗 https://www.votemanatee.gov/precinct-finder/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

08/18/2026

⏰ It’s not too late to RSVP for tomorrow’s session, “Strengthening HR to Meet Today’s Challenges.”

🔗 RSVP: https://manateecf.org/events/manatee-connects/

🌎 The workplace is changing - and nonprofit organizations need practical tools to navigate what’s ahead.

Join us for the next session focused on strengthening HR, supporting teams and building systems that help organizations thrive.

📅 Wednesday, August 19
☕ 8:30 AM | Networking
🎤 9:00 AM | Program
📍 Manatee Community Foundation

Led by Roseanne Guttman of Genesis Organization Development this session will cover:
• Workforce trends affecting nonprofit teams
• Florida and federal employment law and HR compliance updates
• Workplace culture, engagement and retention

Secure your seat today!
🔗 https://manateecf.org/events/manatee-connects/

08/17/2026

🎉🎉🎉 Happy National Nonprofit Day! Today, we celebrate the people behind the purpose — and the incredible impact of our nonprofit partners. 💙

Across Manatee, our region, and around the world, nonprofits are where compassion becomes action. 💫 They educate and empower, feed and shelter, heal and inspire. They protect our environment 🌎, strengthen families 🌳, support our most vulnerable neighbors 💚, create opportunities, preserve culture 🎨 and make our communities stronger. 💪🏼

MCF is proud to partner with and champion the nonprofit organizations that are building a stronger Manatee. 🪴

Today, we celebrate the nonprofit sector — and the people who make the impact possible. Thank you for showing up, serving with purpose and making a difference. 💙✨

08/15/2026

🎉 Congratulations to all of the finalists for Manatee Chamber of Commerce Small Business & Nonprofit Awards!

Manatee Community Foundation is a proud Award Sponsor for the Nonprofit Category, in recognition of the undeniable impact of our nonprofit sector. 💙

Nonprofits are essential to a thriving Manatee - serving our community with purpose, providing exceptional services, and serving as significant economic drivers across our community and region.

Congratulations!!! Your work matters, your missions matter, and the impact you make is felt every day. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

🏆 The Finalists Are In!

We’re proud to announce the finalists for the 46th Annual Small Business & Non-Profit of the Year Awards!

These outstanding businesses and non-profit organizations are helping make Manatee County a great place to live, work, and do business. Now, it’s time to celebrate their success, cheer on this year’s finalists and nominees, and find out who will take home the awards!

Small Businesses
Aginto
Ananda Farms - (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559691480064)
Artisan Pool and Design
Blue Collar Roofing
Chicken Salad Chick
Clark Financial Partners
Coastal Hearing Care
Discover Bradenton
Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard
Game On Nation
Gulf Coast Music Therapy
Hensley Law Offices
The Made Clean Company - (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077539759029)
Mighty Dog Roofing of Southwest Florida
The Milestone Financial Group at Morgan Stanley
O'Bricks
Owens Electric - (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089841318471)
Parkwood Dental
Party Popping Events
Results 1st
Servpro Team Ross
Town Square University Parkway
Veith Engineering & Business Solutions
Your Money Fast Tax Preparation Services
ZNS Engineering - (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063667822955)

Non-Profits
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast
Cat Depot
Harbor58
Keep Manatee Beautiful
Manatee Children's Services, Inc MCS Child Advocacy Center
Manatee Education Foundation
Manatee County Fair
Palma Sola Botanical Park - (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064517386906)
Parenting Matters
Stillpoint Mission
United Way Suncoast

📅 Friday, August 28, 2026
📍 Bradenton Area Convention Center
🍹 10:00 AM – VIP Mimosa Bar Reception
🏆 11:15 AM – Awards Luncheon
🎉 1:30 PM – After-Party

This is more than an awards luncheon. It’s an opportunity to celebrate success, recognize excellence, and support the organizations making a lasting impact in our community.

🎟️ Reserve your seat or table today and view the finalists and nominees:
👉 https://business.manateechamber.com/events/details/46th-annual-manatee-chamber-small-business-non-profit-of-the-year-awards-53405

Tickets, sponsorships,s and program advertising must be secured by Friday, August 14!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring celebration of Manatee County excellence. 💙

08/13/2026

🌎 The workplace is changing - and nonprofit organizations need practical tools to navigate what’s ahead.

Join us for the next session focused on strengthening HR, supporting teams and building systems that help organizations thrive.

📅 Wednesday, August 19
☕ 8:30 AM | Networking
🎤 9:00 AM | Program
📍 Manatee Community Foundation

Led by Roseanne Guttman of Genesis Organization Development this session will cover:
• Workforce trends affecting nonprofit teams
• Florida and federal employment law and HR compliance updates
• Workplace culture, engagement and retention

Secure your seat today!
🔗 https://manateecf.org/events/manatee-connects/

08/10/2026

📚✨ Happy first day of school! Here’s to a year filled with success, curiosity, and the joy of learning! Wishing all our students, teachers, parents, guardians, administrators, and school personnel a wonderful year ahead.

And to everyone behind the scenes - from bus drivers and crossing guards to food and nutrition teams and so many others - thank you for helping create a safe, welcoming environment where every student is ready to learn and thrive. 💙📚

Let’s GO! 💪🏼 Make it a great one, !