KNIGHT FOUNDATION AWARDS $50,000 GRANT TO CITY OF BRADENTON LIBRARY RESOURCE PROGRAM

— A new Library Resource Center aimed at supporting underserved teens and young adult parents in Bradenton is moving forward with help from a $50,000 grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Manatee Community Foundation.

As part of the future City Park Commons Community Resource Building near LECOM Park, The Center will focus on helping young families build strong foundations for the future. Children will benefit from early learning and reading support, while parents can access workshops on parenting, coaching for graduation and career planning, and hands-on job training. The Center will also offer vocational and technical programs to help adults gain the practical skills they need to advance in the workforce.

“City Park Commons is a holistic investment in Bradenton’s future,” said Rob Perry, City Administrator for the City of Bradenton. “It brings public spaces, educational programs, and career development together in one place—something we’ve never had in quite this way. That kind of access can reshape what’s possible for our residents.”

Veronica Thames, CEO of MCF, called the center a step forward in how the community shows up for its families. “There’s something powerful about walking into a place and knowing it was designed with you in mind,” she said. “This center says to young people and parents, ‘You belong here, and your future matters.’ That’s the kind of message philanthropy should help deliver.”

Key partners like the Manatee County Police Athletic League (PAL) and the School District will operate programs inside the new facility alongside the Library Resource Center. Working with the City of Bradenton and Manatee County Government, they will offer services tailored to the needs and strengths of nearby neighborhoods.

The City of Bradenton will also develop green space, sports fields, and upgraded recreation areas around the building as part of the larger City Park Commons project. While these spaces will serve nearby families and youth, they’re also expected to attract visitors and spur economic growth.

Led by the City, County, and School District—with support from Congressman Vern Buchanan and other local partners—the project will continue to take shape as a place where opportunity feels real, and resources are within reach.

Renderings of PAL multipurpose building conceptually to include a community library and School District instruction/meeting spaces.

For information on ways to invest in our community, visit www.manateecf.org.