Bishop-Parker Foundation Invests $5M in Spring Grants to Empower Manatee County’s Youth
Bradenton’s legacy of quiet generosity continues to shape the future of Manatee County, as the Bishop-Parker Foundation awards $5 million in spring grants this year, several of which focus on youth development through education, mentorship, and mental health support.
A portion of this year’s funding includes targeted investments in programs serving children and teens at pivotal stages of growth:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast received $30,000 to expand its one-to-one mentorship program.
Take Stock in Children Manatee was granted $55,000 to provide mentoring and scholarships for low-income, high-potential students.
Pace Center for Girls Manatee earned $126,000 to support leadership development and mental health services for at-risk girls.
The Children’s Home Society of Florida received $64,000 to enhance family engagement and student support at two local elementary schools.
These grants reflect the Foundation’s enduring commitment to uplifting the community—a commitment that dates back more than 170 years.
A Legacy of Quiet Giving
The story of the Bishop-Parker Foundation begins in 1854, when English immigrants John and Jane Huntington arrived in Cleveland, Ohio. John Huntington, a visionary businessman and inventor, later joined forces with John D. Rockefeller during the founding days of Standard Oil. His philanthropic influence culminated in the creation of the world-renowned Cleveland Museum of Art, supported by a trust he established in 1889.
This philanthropic spirit passed through generations to Lillian (Patty) Huntington, John’s granddaughter, who married Edward E. (Ned) Bishop in 1914. The Bishops eventually settled in Bradenton, Florida, where they devoted their lives—and fortunes—to supporting healthcare, education, the arts, and animal welfare.
Together with their adopted daughter and lifelong companion, Mary E. Parker, the Bishops anonymously donated millions to local causes. They helped expand Manatee Memorial Hospital, supported theatre and museum development, and co-founded organizations that still thrive today, including the Bishop Animal Shelter and the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.
Mary Parker, a nurse by training, continued the family’s legacy after Ned’s passing in 1962 and Patty’s in 1972. She formally established the Mary E. Parker Foundation in 1986. Until her passing in 2020 at the age of 108, she actively guided philanthropic efforts that touched nearly every facet of life in Manatee County—from Snooty the manatee’s habitat to scholarships for nursing students.
Continuing a Tradition of Community Impact
Today, the Bishop and Parker Foundations are managed by a team of dedicated trustees, including Wilmington Trust of Delaware. Their focus remains on funding organizations that create meaningful, lasting impact, particularly in areas such as youth development, healthcare, animal welfare, and the arts.
The 2025 spring grants mark a continued investment in that vision, ensuring that every child in Manatee County has the chance to succeed with strong mentors, academic support, and mental health care.
From 19th-century Cleveland to 21st-century Bradenton, the Bishop-Parker legacy remains one of enduring compassion, quiet generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of community.