Manatee Community Foundation Expands Disaster Relief Efforts Supporting 20+ Local Nonprofits
MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA – November 14, 2024 – Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) has strengthened its commitment to local disaster recovery by awarding nearly $250,000 in critical grants through its Disaster Relief Fund following the unprecedented hurricane season and gear now to prepare for the impacts of another potential storm. Made possible by MCF’s partnership with generous donors, these funds support recovery efforts, rebuild essential facilities, and deliver aid to vulnerable families and individuals.
“Our community’s resilience is supported by the strength and responsiveness of our nonprofit network,” says Veronica Thames, CEO of Manatee Community Foundation. “Through our Disaster Relief Fund, we’re able to mobilize resources swiftly and work alongside these organizations to bring hope and relief to those affected. We are deeply grateful for our donors, our partners at The Knight Foundation, The Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, and Mosaic, whose partnerships have made this immediate support possible.”
Among the numerous grant recipients, Easterseals received $20,000 for crucial building repairs sustained in the recent hurricanes, enabling them to continue serving our special needs community. Harvest House, which provides affordable housing and hunger relief throughout Manatee County, was also awarded $20,000 for capital repairs due to hurricane damage. Additionally, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee received $10,000 for capital repairs.
Other organizations which received aid are Ability to Include, Inc., Big Brothers & Big Sisters of the Suncoast, Better Together, Bradenton Women’s Club, Bridge a Life, Bring on the Ministry, The Center of Anna Maria Island, Centerstone, Centro Restauracion Pacto Eterno, Inc., The Crossings, Food Recovery, Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center, Guardian Angels of SW Florida, Habitat for Humanity, Keep Manatee Beautiful, Manatee Children’s Services, Meals on Wheels, Mothers Helping Mothers, Operation Warrior Resolution, Palma Sola Botanical Gardens, Parenting Matters, Praying Pelican Missions, Rosalyn Walton Education and Enrichment Services Inc, Rubonia Community Center, Samaritan Counseling, Selah Freedom, Step Up Suncoast, Inc., Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, Inc., and United Community Center.
"These grants provide essential resources to organizations that make a difference on the ground, helping our neighbors rebuild and regain stability,” says Board Chair Bob “Buzz” Turner. "Together, we’re reinforcing the resilience of our entire community.”
MCF is grateful to all donors and partners who have joined in these recovery efforts, enabling rapid response and sustained support for nonprofits. For more information on the Disaster Relief Fund, please visit https://manateecf.org/donors/support-our-community-after-a-disaster/
To discover more ways to invest in our community, visit www.manateecf.org.
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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 together, we can do greater things. MCF has invested over $62 million dollars 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 serving the entire county and beyond, 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.