Each year at the Spirit of Manatee Awards Luncheon, Manatee Community Foundation recognizes a grantmaking foundation, service club, corporation or business demonstrating outstanding commitment to the charitable community through direct philanthropic support, leadership and motivation of others to participate in Manatee County.

On March 30, 2022, Bank of America–guided by a common purpose to make lives better,
through the power of every connection–will receive the Community Spirit Award.

An important part of Bank of America’s work is forming strong partnerships with community organizations to bring together collective networks and expertise for greater impact. Bank of
America has worked with nonprofit partners serving Manatee County for years to achieve this goal, driving economic opportunity and upward mobility.

With volunteer opportunities limited due to the health crisis, charitable grants and fundraising efforts were especially critical to support the important work of Bank of America’s partners including Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, Manatee Education Foundation, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, Turning Points, UnidosNow, and Women’s Resource Center.

Local support from Bank of America, more than $500,000, has helped to address the basic needs of residents, including food access and affordable housing. Their programs have created meaningful workforce opportunities and increased financial literacy through their “Better Money Habits” classes.

Last year, Bank of America also announced its $1.25 billion, five-year commitment to advancing racial equality and economic opportunity nationwide.

The bank awarded $210,000 in funding to local organizations last year as a direct result of this national commitment, focusing on direct action to address the systemic, long-term gaps local people of color face.