Knight Foundation Fund at Manatee Community Foundation Supports Arts and Public Projects in Bradenton
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Fund at Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) recently approved a series of grants for Bradenton-based nonprofits to support projects that bring people together through public spaces, the arts, and engagement in civic life.
Realize Bradenton received $45,000 total to support two initiatives. Funding will strengthen ecology-based arts programming at the Bradenton Art and Music Festival on Saturday, March 28, 2026, highlighting the importance of the Manatee River to the health of the community. Additional support will fund two “Connecting Young Talent to Downtown Bradenton” pop-up events in 2026 that bring young professionals together for facilitated conversations about the city’s future and civic life.
Friendly City Foundation received $20,000 to support the Friendly City Art Festival in downtown Bradenton. The grant will help expand mentorship, resources, and education for creative businesses and artists, while supporting public art and arts-based economic development efforts in the community.
Reflections of Manatee received $15,000 to help create a community gathering space on its historic riverfront campus in East Bradenton. The project includes neighborhood listening and a “Conversations on the Porch” series, along with outdoor improvements such as seating and lawn games. Plans also include a public art mural that reflects local history.
Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative received $12,820 to present a juried exhibition at the Manatee Performing Arts Center featuring artists of varied diverse descents. The grant also supports a half-day “Business of Art” symposium for participating artists and outreach that brings Manatee County high school students to meet artists and experience the exhibition.
These awards recognize organizations that are doing careful, public-facing work that shapes how people experience their city. Leaders at the Knight Foundation note that these investments reflect a shared commitment to strengthening civic life in Bradenton.
“Communities thrive when people feel connected to the places they share,” said Lilly Weinberg, Senior Director of Community and National Initiatives at the Knight Foundation. “These organizations are helping grow Bradenton’s civic life in ways that invite participation and reflect local talent. We are proud to support this work through our donor advised fund at Manatee Community Foundation.”
For information on ways to invest in our community, visit www.manateecf.org.
###
Manatee Community Foundation connects the generosity of donors with the needs of the community to build a better Manatee County. For more than 25 years, the Foundation has been a trusted partner in philanthropy – bringing together individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and local leaders to address complex challenges and create lasting impact. Through strategic grantmaking, community leadership, and meaningful partnerships, Manatee Community Foundation strengthens connections and resources to help our community thrive. For more information about Manatee Community Foundation, visit ManateeCF.org.