In response to the impact of the coronavirus on nonprofits serving people in Lakewood Ranch and east Manatee and Sarasota counties, the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund will award funds totaling $150,000 supporting relief and recovery.

The first round of grants includes more than $30,000 to provide assistance to health care professionals, low-income youth, cancer patients, essential workers in need of childcare, and homeless animals.

“With the magnitude of our current situation, getting money into the community outside of our typical funding cycle is important to us. We know these dollars will have a direct impact on the lives of people who need assistance at this time,” said Garrett Shinn, president of the Fund’s board of advisors.

Tidewell Hospice and Manatee Family YMCA (Lakewood Ranch Branch) will each receive a $10,000 grant; Florida Cancer Specialists will receive a $5,000 grant; Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida will receive a $3,600 grant; and Southeastern Guide Dogs and Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue will each receive a $1,000 grant.

Charitable organizations eligible to request funds must be serving populations who live or work in Lakewood Ranch or east Manatee and Sarasota counties and be able to share the impact of the coronavirus on their clients or their operations.

The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund was established in 2000 as a component fund of the Manatee Community Foundation and accepts tax-deductible gifts year-round.

“We encourage those who can make a difference to do so, and giving directly through the Fund will help support a variety of essential missions in the area,” said Shinn.

To make a charitable gift to the fund, click here, or mail your check to Manatee Community Foundation, 2820 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton FL 34205. To learn more, call (941) 747-7765.