For communities to thrive, they must ask a crucial question:  what more can we do for each other?

Twenty-seven years ago, Manatee County leaders recognized a gap here. Their solution was to create a community foundation designed to stand the test of time.

Musing is easy, but action requires resolve. In 1998, the then-publisher of the Bradenton Herald, Dot Ridings, acted. She secured $1 million from the Knight Foundation and challenged people to match it within three years. The “Three Bobs”—Blalock, Christopher, and Bell—led the effort, and residents met the challenge in only six months. If that doesn’t speak to the heart of this community, I don’t know what does.

From that first $1 million, Manatee Community Foundation has given neighbors ways to help one another and invest in our shared future. We have grown to $66 million in assets and poured over $67 million back into Manatee County. Last year alone, we granted over $7 million to local nonprofits and awarded $265,000 in scholarships.

But beyond financial impact, our true strength is as a convener. When we connect donors, nonprofits, businesses, and government, we find solutions any of us cannot achieve alone. Our Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) helps our region prepare for and respond to crises. Our Child Care Alliance supports working families. CLASP members (Community Leaders Aligning Strategies and Partnerships) share ideas and align goals for everyone we serve.

This commitment to working together has always been part of our story. MCF has been fortunate to grow with the vital support of a fellow foundation—a clear example of partnership in action. But our founders always envisioned the day we would stand fully on our own, to better serve local needs.

Friends, that day is here. On July 1, MCF became a fully independent organization. The Manatee County Commission recognized this milestone by proclaiming July 1 as Manatee Community Foundation Day. To me, that proclamation honors every person who has ever given their time, talent, and treasure to support our county.

This turning point is especially meaningful because it links our history to the future we’re ready to steward. On the same day we stepped into our independence, Dannie Sherrill, the daughter of one of our founders, Bob Blalock, became our new Board Chair. I couldn’t have orchestrated such a beautiful full-circle moment if I’d planned it. Bob helped build MCF so Manatee County would have something truly rooted here, shaped by its residents. Dannie has carried that same spirit forward through years of dedicated nonprofit work and investing in local relationships. Together, Bob’s vision and Dannie’s leadership capture the essence of family philanthropy: neighbors caring for each other across generations.

So, what does independence mean for us? Now, we can discover new answers to that question: what more can we do for each other? We can focus on being catalysts for positive change in Manatee County, respond faster when challenges come our way, and keep homegrown generosity working where it’s needed most. We can bring local people together to solve problems, big and small, and we are now able to receive all gifts in more tax-advantageous ways, to make transformational change and honor legacies in perpetuity.

And as our county grows, so does our responsibility. By 2030, Manatee County’s population is expected to surpass Sarasota’s. Our area is more diverse than ever, and its needs more complex. Over 850 nonprofits serve our region, but amidst fluctuations in funding and capacity, they can’t shoulder every need. MCF will be here to help fill the gaps.

Becoming independent is not the finish line. It is a new beginning. We will keep connecting people and ideas, strengthening our region, and celebrating the families who believe that a rising tide lifts all boats, and invest to lift those around them. I’m honored to carry this vision forward alongside leaders like Dannie, our board, and each of you who are determined to make our world a better one.

Let’s keep asking:  what more can we do?

Veronica Thames is the Chief Executive Officer of Manatee Community Foundation.