Pictured: COAD Funding Partner Meeting, including Manatee County, United Way Suncoast, Bishop Parker, and MCF leaders. Provided photo.

Across the nation, communities are navigating profound change. Trust in governmental institutions is wavering, economic disparities continue to widen, and the rapid pace of technological and social change is challenging our shared values. Against this backdrop, the role of nonprofits has never been more critical.

In Manatee County, where over 44% of residents fall within United Way of Suncoast’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold, many hardworking families remain one unexpected expense away from crisis. Meanwhile, our population is projected to outpace that of neighboring counties by 2030, with the Hispanic/Latino demographic growing fastest. At the same time, government funding cuts and freezes are beginning to trickle down, placing additional strain on the nonprofits that provide essential services like food security, trauma-informed care, housing, and education, at a fraction of the cost and with deep expertise that local governments often lack.

The question is: what happens when nonprofits must reduce staff and programs due to funding shortfalls? In regions without a strong nonprofit infrastructure, government agencies must do the job. We are unique in that we count on - and can rely on - over 800 nonprofits locally. Will local government have the expertise, facilities, and capacity to meet urgent needs if these 800 nonprofits are underfunded?

Just last month, I spent time in Tallahassee advocating for increased nonprofit funding and policy support. The reality is clear: we must take a strategic, collaborative approach to sustaining the nonprofit sector. This means bringing together philanthropists, government officials, business leaders, and nonprofit partners to create systemic solutions that ensure long-term resilience.

This idea is top of mind for me as we approach Spirit of Manatee, MCF’s annual celebration of philanthropy on March 13, where we gather philanthropists, government officials, business and nonprofit leaders. We must all be at the table, working together toward a shared goal. When we align efforts across all sectors, we maximize our collective impact. Now and forever.

One way we are doing this is through CLASP (Community Leaders Aligning Strategies and Partnerships), a convening of elected officials, business, and organization leaders across Manatee County who align priorities, strategize on shared challenges, and seize opportunities for regional impact. Most recently, CLASP committed significant resources, and funding to launch a Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) group, ensuring Manatee County is better prepared to respond in times of crisis.

Beyond financial investments, equipping nonprofit leaders with tools to advocate, diversify funding, and drive impact is essential. That is why MCF recently hosted the Florida Policy Institute to provide nonprofits with policy and funding strategies, and we will be offering a grant-writing workshop at our headquarters.

The responsibility to sustain our nonprofit ecosystem does not rest on one sector alone.

What can you do? Partner with Manatee Community Foundation to support local nonprofits through active giving, corporate partnerships, or legacy gifts. Encourage cross-sector collaboration that strengthens Manatee County’s long-term future. The time for strategic action is now.

Veronica Thames is the CEO of Manatee Community Foundation.

Pictured: COAD Funding Partner Meeting, including Manatee County, United Way Suncoast, Bishop Parker, and MCF leaders. Provided photo.