Manatee Community Foundation has announced its first round of grants from the Manatee County COVID-19 Community Response Fund. The fund was established by an anonymous donor and accepts tax-deductible contributions from the community for the purpose of supporting health and human service organizations impacted by the coronavirus.

Grants to date total $122,660 and have been focused on basic needs, food security, housing, virtual therapy for individuals with disabilities, protective equipment, and hospice care.

“We are fortunate for the quick work and quality work of our nonprofit partners to adapt to a rapidly changing situation,” said Susie Bowie, MCF executive director.

“The generous donors who have made tax-deductible gifts to the COVID-19 Fund are giving us the opportunity to support them so that those who need help can receive it quickly. The Manatee Matches Giving Circle’s contribution of $100,000 toward matching support enabled us to increase the original $500,000 gift from the anonymous donor—meaning more is possible for our neighbors in need.”

Grants include:

Support for first responders and health care workers

• $25,000 to Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County to provide free childcare
• $10,000 to MCR Health Services to fund childcare expenses for health workers
• $20,000 to Tidewell Hospice for additional costs incurred for patient care during COVID-19
• $15,000 to Giving Alliance of Myakka City to support Manatee County Fire Chiefs and Manatee County EMS with protective supplies

Support for individuals with disabilities

• $20,000 to Easterseals of Southwest Florida for remote therapy for individuals with disabilities
Support for vulnerable individuals and families
• $500 to Step Up Suncoast for staff equipment to remotely assistance clients
• $6,000 to Our Daily Bread for to-go containers and increased staffing for two months of prepared food service for those in need
• $5,000 to Stillpoint Mission for emergency food and toiletry supplies
• $1,000 to Gulfcoast Legal Services for technology to assist low income clients with legal support

Housing support for individuals in recovery
• $20,160 to Harvest House in Bradenton for housing expenses for residents in recovery who lost their jobs or are unable to secure jobs during COVID-19

Additionally, Manatee Community Foundation awarded nearly $60,000 in grants to Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee during the month of March from donor advised funds.

Learn more about the Manatee County COVID-19 Community Response Fund or call (941) 747-7765.

Manatee Community Foundation was formed in 1998. The public charity has awarded more than $30 million in grants and scholarships in partnership with caring donors who live and give in Manatee County.