Local Philanthropic Leader Named Finalist for National Award Recognizing Outsized Impact

Wendy Deming, CEO of the Bishop Parker Foundation, has been named one of three national finalists for the 2025 Outsized Impact Award presented by Exponent Philanthropy. The honor recognizes individuals from member organizations whose giving achieves results far beyond expectations. Deming is joined as a finalist by Jessica Olson, Grants Director at the John T. Vucurevich Foundation, and Tomás Alvarez III, Trustee of the Grunin Foundation.

Since becoming CEO less than two years ago, Deming has redefined the role of the Bishop Parker Foundation in Manatee County. Until recently, as the organization’s sole employee, she has modernized systems, strengthened visibility, and established the foundation as a trusted convener within the local philanthropic landscape.

Her leadership has been obvious in moments of crisis. Following three hurricanes that struck the region within a single month, Deming recognized the absence of a coordinated disaster response system and quickly mobilized partners to fill the gap. She convened funders and nonprofits, secured emergency aid—including $100,000 from Bishop Parker—and set the stage for what would become a formal Community Organizations Active in Disaster network.

Food insecurity has also been a central focus. Deming launched the Manatee Food Security Network, bringing together over 55 organizations to create a cohesive, countywide response. The initiative has already yielded streamlined collaboration and measurable improvements in food access for families in need.

Beyond emergency and food security work, Deming has guided Bishop Parker away from transactional grant-making toward a more strategic and collaborative model. Under her direction, grants have supported high-impact efforts such as FoodRecovery.org, which distributed more than 127,000 additional food items to local households. She has also revived initiatives that highlight community heritage, including the Legacy Video Documentary project that preserves Manatee County’s history.

Described by peers as both bold and detail-oriented, Deming has emerged as a leader who listens, inspires, and challenges organizations to think more ambitiously. Her work has elevated nonprofit capacity while positioning Bishop Parker as a catalyst for change across the region.

The public is encouraged to have a say in who will be named the winner.

The winner of the 2025 Outsized Impact Award will be announced later this year, recognizing one of the three finalists who have achieved transformational results in philanthropy.