MANATEE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS OVER $65 MILLION  

MAKING A TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT IN OUR COMMUNITY 

MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA – Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) proudly celebrates over $65 million of community impact since its founding in 1998, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to strengthening and enhancing the community through philanthropy, education, and service – now and forever.

As the only community foundation in Manatee serving all of Manatee County and beyond, MCF along with its Board of Directors, committed donor family, corporate ambassadors, and nonprofit partners worked to achieve transformative results, together, in 2024:

• 830+ grants supporting nonprofit organizations locally and beyond.
• 45 grants aiding nonprofit organizations with storm-related relief and recovery.
• 95 lives impacted through meaningful academic scholarships.
• Strategic partnerships with The Knight Foundation, Bishop Parker Foundation, Southern Smoke Foundation, Mosaic, Manasota Realtor’s Association, and Season of Sharing Manatee County to support individuals facing critical needs post hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.
• $65+ million of financial impact in MCF’s history.

“We are deeply thankful to our generous donors and partners, whose unwavering support empowers us to lead, serve, and collaborate,” said Veronica Thames, MCF’s CEO, who joined the organization in late 2023. “Together, we are shaping a brighter future for Manatee County by addressing its most pressing and emerging needs, enacting lasting change, and amplifying our collective impact.”

Of the $65 million in grants made since its founding, $31 million supported human services needs, over $15 million advanced education, $11 million enhanced arts and culture, and $7 million funded animal welfare and environmental causes. These investments, made possible by MCF’s generous donors and diligent board stewardship, have supported projects and initiatives contributing to the prosperity and resilience of the community and preserve the legacy and unwavering dedication of our donors to act today, for a better tomorrow.

“In the wake of three significant disasters and amidst extraordinary growth, our region faces challenges—and opportunities—like never before. Now, more than ever, Manatee needs the strength of its community foundation and the power of partnerships to navigate these times,” said Bob “Buzz” Turner, MCF Board Chair. “MCF is committed to being here for Manatee County—responding to its needs today and building a legacy of resilience and hope for generations to come.”

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

About Manatee Community Foundation (MCF): Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) is a charitable organization founded in 1998. MCF partners with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service – now and forever.  MCF is the bridge between generous donors, business leaders, our government, and nonprofit partners, who work together so that everyone can thrive because we believe that together, we can do greater things. MCF has invested over $65 million in the areas of health and human services, education, arts and culture, the environment, and animal welfare and is committed to its diversity, equity, inclusion and access work. As the only community foundation in Manatee County, MCF is your partner in philanthropy, a trusted steward of charitable legacies and the guide for current giving through donor-advised funds and beyond.  See more information about Manatee Community Foundation at www.ManateeCF.org.