MANATEE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION LAUNCHES NEW GRANTMAKING 

PROCESS TO BETTER SERVE LOCAL NONPROFITS 

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) is proud to announce a new, streamlined grantmaking process designed to strengthen partnerships with local nonprofits and increase the impact of charitable dollars in Manatee County. 

After listening to nonprofit leaders and evaluating community needs, MCF has restructured its competitive grantmaking approach to be more transparent, accessible, and transformative. Instead of completing lengthy applications at the outset, organizations will now begin by submitting a short Letter of Intent (LOI). The LOI allows nonprofits to share their vision quickly and helps MCF staff determine alignment with funding priorities. 

Eligible organizations are then invited to complete a full application in alignment with the appropriate grant cycle. Proposals are then reviewed by MCF’s Community Investment Committee, with final decisions communicated directly to applicants along with next steps. 

“We heard from our nonprofit partners that the process needed to be more efficient and responsive,” said Veronica Thames, CEO of Manatee Community Foundation. “This new approach is about building stronger relationships, reducing barriers, and ensuring that every dollar entrusted to MCF makes the most meaningful difference.” 

In addition to simplifying the application process, MCF has created focused grant cycles in key community need areas—Animal Welfare, Health & Human Services, Education, and Arts & Culture for Youth. By aligning grants with these focus areas, MCF is able to honor and amplify donor intent while also being clear about where funding is available and how it can drive long-term community transformation. 

Nonprofits interested in applying for funding should visit ManateeCF.org/grants for details, upcoming deadlines, and instructions.