Manatee Community Foundation Celebrates Independence After 27 Years of Impact and Growth
The Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) has reached a significant milestone: as of July 1, the foundation is now operating as a fully independent charitable organization, no longer under the administrative umbrella of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
Founded in 1998, MCF has invested over $67 million in the Manatee County community through grants, scholarships, and local partnerships. With its independence, MCF now has complete control of its operations, enabling it to manage donor gifts directly, accept larger contributions, and respond more nimbly to the growing needs of local residents and nonprofit partners.
The foundation has long served as a vital connector between donors and causes, from emergency shelter and food services to education, arts, and environmental programs. This new chapter promises an even greater capacity to address pressing issues, such as childcare shortages, support for youth aging out of foster care, and natural disaster response, through the Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) network it helped form.
CEO Veronica Thames, who joined the foundation in 2023 after leadership roles at Gulf Coast Community Foundation, is leading the foundation into its next chapter.
MCF’s transition to independence also coincides with a leadership change. Dannie Sherill, a longtime nonprofit professional and daughter of one of the foundation’s founders, Bob Blalock, has taken over as board chair. She succeeds Bob “Buzz” Turner, former publisher of the Bradenton Herald, who led the board during the transition and will continue to serve in an advisory capacity.
The foundation’s history dates back to 1993 when Dorothy “Dot” Ridings—then publisher of the Bradenton Herald—recognized the community’s untapped philanthropic potential. With support from the Knight Foundation and local leaders such as Blalock, Bob Christopher, and Bob Beall, MCF was born. After raising its first $750,000 in just six months, MCF quickly established itself as a respected force in local philanthropy.
Over the years, the foundation has responded to local needs by launching the Spirit of Manatee Awards, supporting pandemic recovery efforts for nonprofits, mentoring local charities, and helping establish new funding avenues, such as Program-Related Investments (PRIs). These low-interest loans have filled critical gaps for organizations during funding shortfalls.
Looking forward, Thames and the board are focused on expanding MCF’s influence and continuing to build bridges between generous donors and high-impact causes. The foundation offers multiple giving opportunities, including donor-advised funds with a minimum investment of $5,000 and community-based funds open to contributions of any size.
As a testament to its impact, the Manatee County Commission recently declared July 1 as Manatee Community Foundation Day, marking the beginning of the foundation’s fully independent era.
For more information or to explore giving opportunities, visit www.ManateeCF.org.