This year, Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) launched The Giving Gallery, a new online catalog on MCF’s website featuring vetted capital projects and program needs. The gallery gives donors a clear view of tangible opportunities to invest in the community, to encourage collaboration and co-investment. It will be refreshed quarterly to showcase a rotating selection of funding opportunities.

Grounded in the belief that philanthropy should be personal, transparent and local, The Giving Gallery highlights initiatives that strengthen education, culture, animal welfare, health and human services. Each opportunity reflects the mission and dedication of the organizations working to serve our community. Projects and causes align with MCF’s current giving priorities and undergo a careful selection and vetting process to ensure they offer meaningful, timely opportunities for impact.

“We are already getting great feedback from our fund holders and the public at large,” shares MCF’s Vice President of Philanthropy, Yolanda Mancha. “Someone might want to make an investment and not know where to make that donation so this is a simple way for them to see the things that are happening in our community, not just needs-based, but some of them are also very innovative in their approach. We know these are projects that are qualified, sustainable, important and impactful. We're investing ourselves, which gives it the credibility to come alongside us and make these things happen for our community.“

Currently in its pilot phase, The Giving Gallery will feature opportunities that qualify through one of two pathways:  Competitive Grant Cycle: MCF conducts quarterly competitive grant cycles, with each cycle focused on a specific area of service, such as animals, arts and culture, or education. Because funding requests exceed available resources, the Community Investment Committee identifies select projects that remain underfunded and may benefit from additional support through The Giving Gallery. Long-Term Capital Projects: On a rolling basis, MCF invites nonprofit organizations with active capital campaigns to apply for inclusion in The Giving Gallery. Requests must be specifically related to capital needs and are subject to MCF approval.

To learn more, visit