Manatee Community Foundation Opens Nominations for 20th Annual Spirit of Manatee Awards

NOMINATION DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD

Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) is now accepting nominations for its 20th annual Spirit of Manatee Awards Luncheon, which will be held on March 25, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa.

The Spirit of Manatee awards honor individuals and organizations whose commitment to others continues to sustain Manatee County’s strong civic fabric. Nominations are open now through December 3, 2025, in five categories:

• Young Spirit Award
  Honors an individual under 21 who shows exceptional dedication to helping others through giving and volunteerism, inspiring peers to support charitable causes in Manatee County.

• Community Spirit Award
  Recognizes a business, foundation, or service club that demonstrates outstanding community commitment through financial support, leadership, and encouragement of local giving.

• Charles Clapsaddle Community Spotlight Award
  Celebrates a nonprofit professional who exemplifies philanthropy and has elevated local projects or voices, advancing the well-being of Manatee County.

• Leadership Spirit Award
  Honors an individual or couple whose generosity and involvement have made a lasting difference for charitable organizations in Manatee County.

• Mary E. Parker Lifetime Spirit Award
  Recognizes an individual or couple whose lifelong generosity and civic leadership have strengthened multiple charitable institutions across Manatee County.

Nominations can be submitted online here: 2026 Spirit Of Manatee Nominations.

As this milestone year marks both the 20th anniversary of the Spirit of Manatee event and the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, the 2026 program will recognize the courage and devotion of veterans whose sacrifices continue to enrich the lives of local residents.

“In every challenge, people in Manatee County show up for one another,” said Veronica Thames, CEO of MCF. “Our veterans show us what dedication looks like, and this event is our way of thanking them in a meaningful way.”

MCF is proud to welcome Lieutenant General (Ret.) Walt Piatt, Chief Executive Officer of Wounded Warrior Project, as the keynote speaker. Piatt brings more than four decades of military service and leadership to his role supporting America’s wounded warriors and their families. Before joining Wounded Warrior Project, he served as Director of the Army Staff and Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division, among other distinguished commands. His leadership and compassion for others mirror the values embodied by the Spirit of Manatee.

As always, the event brings together community leaders from every corner of the county to celebrate philanthropy and volunteerism in our region, reflecting MCF’s commitment to a generous and connected Manatee.

For information on ways to invest in our community, visit www.manateecf.org.

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About Manatee Community Foundation (MCF): Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) is a charitable organization founded in 1998. MCF partners with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service – now and forever. MCF is the bridge between generous donors, business leaders, our government, and nonprofit partners, who work together so that everyone can thrive because we believe that together, we can do greater things. MCF has invested over $70 million in the areas of health and human services, education, arts and culture, the environment, and animal welfare and is committed to its diversity, equity, inclusion and access work. As the only community foundation in Manatee County, MCF is your partner in philanthropy, a trusted steward of charitable legacies and the guide for current giving through donor-advised funds and beyond. For more information about Manatee Community Foundation and how you can support its mission, visit www.manateecf.org.