Manatee Children’s Services Among Recipients of $524,000 in Wilson-Wood Foundation Grant Awards
The Wilson-Wood Foundation has announced its grant recipients for 2026.
Originally established in 1981 as The Hugh and Mary Wilson Foundation by attorney John R. Wood, acting on behalf of the Wilsons and inspired by Hugh’s guiding principle to “Just Do Good,” the foundation evolved in 1995 when the Wood family’s funds were integrated, leading to its renaming as The Wilson-Wood Foundation. Since 1988, Susan Wood, daughter of John R. Wood, has overseen the foundation’s operations. Together, the Wilson and Wood families have built a legacy of philanthropy that continues to grow.
The foundation accepts eligible grant applications on an annual basis, with a submission deadline of June 1. For 2026, a total of $524,000 has been awarded to twenty-seven organizations. Manatee Children’s Services is honored to be among this year’s grant recipients, receiving $15,000 in support of the “Spanish-Speaking Non-Offending Caregivers (NOC) Support Groups.” This program provides group therapy for Spanish-speaking caregivers raising children who have experienced sexual abuse. The full list of recipients follows.
Academy at Glengary – $25,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast – $15,000
Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County – $20,000
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties – $15,000
Child Protection Center – $20,000
Children First – $15,000
Community Assisted and Supported Living – $35,000
Community Coalition on Homelessness – $25,000
Easter Seals Southwest Florida – $25,000
Exchange Club Family Partnership Center of Manatee County – $15,000
Florida Center for Early Childhood – $12,000
Foundation for Dreams – $10,000
Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County – $20,000
Good Samaritan Pharmacy & Health Services – $32,000
Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County – $15,000
Laurel Civic Association – $25,000
Literacy Council of Sarasota – $25,000
Loveland Center, Inc. – $15,000
ManaSota Lighthouse for the Blind – $15,000
Manatee Children’s Services – $15,000
Meals on Wheels of Sarasota – $15,000
Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee – $25,000
Neuro Challenge Foundation – $20,000
Safe Children Coalition – $15,000
Southeastern Guide Dogs – $10,000
Tidewell Foundation – $25,000
Women’s Resource Center of Manatee – $20,000
Manatee Children’s Services extends its sincere appreciation to the Wilson-Wood Foundation for its continued support of children and families in our community. Through its annual grant program, the foundation’s legacy of philanthropy continues to strengthen organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties.
About Wilson-Wood Foundation
Originally established in 1981 and guided by the philosophy to “Just Do Good,” the Wilson-Wood Foundation provides annual grant funding to nonprofit organizations serving community needs throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties. Through the ongoing stewardship of the Wilson and Wood families, the foundation continues a longstanding tradition of philanthropy and community investment.
About Manatee Children’s Services
Manatee Children’s Services protects children, strengthens families, and builds healthy communities through prevention, intervention, treatment, and support services. Since 1977, the organization has provided life-changing programs designed to keep children safe, empower families, and create brighter futures throughout Manatee County.