BRADENTON – The Bishop-Parker Foundation recently awarded more than $1.5 million in grants during the Spring 2024 grant cycle, including $736,164 in grants to eight Manatee County nonprofits.
The awards mark the foundation’s first initiative in environmental support with a $350,000 grant to the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast.
“Ned and Patty Bishop and Mary Parker had a deep appreciation for Manatee County’s waterways and natural features,” said Wendy Deming, CEO of the Bishop-Parker Foundation. “The environment was an integral part of why they lived here, so the foundation wants to do everything we can to protect Manatee County’s coastlines and natural areas.”
The grant will support the Conservation Foundation’s purchase of a 58-acre easement in Manatee County – one of the last large, undeveloped parcels west of I-75 bordering Gap Creek (a tributary of the Braden River).
“By conserving this land, we are protecting the city of Bradenton’s drinking water supply and protecting wildlife habitat that is quickly becoming covered up,” said Christine Johnson, president of the Conservation Foundation. “Protecting this land is essential to protecting local waters and increasing community resilience.”
The Bishop-Parker Foundation also awarded a $90,000 capital grant to downtown Anna Maria Island for the installation of a new air conditioning system. The Florida Center for Early Childhood received an $86,000 capital grant to establish an office location in Manatee County.
The Bishop-Parker Foundation’s Spring 2024 grant cycle includes support for ongoing education, health and human services programs in Manatee County:
· $70,000 for the Academy in Bradenton for its nutritional improvement program.
· $25,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast for its one-on-one mentoring program.
· $50,000 for the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County for its Spot On program.
· $50,000 to Easterseals Southwest Florida for its Summer Excel program.
· $50,000 to Forty Carrots Family Center for its Partners in Play program.
· $35,000 for healthy teens for operating resources.
· $20,000 to Jewish Family and Children’s Services of the Suncoast for mental health care.
· $30,000 to the Neuro Challenge Foundation to support a healthcare advisor position in Manatee County.
· $97,800 to Pace Center for Girls to support the position of education coordinator.
· $17,500 for Stillpoint Mission to finance energy bills for customers.
· $48,000 to take stock of children for scholarships for underprivileged Manatee County students.
· $20,000 to The Haven for healthcare for residents.
· $40,000 for real prized for the I AM Academy.
· $200,000 towards turning points for dental services for low-income adults.
· $64,000 to UnidosNow for funding for a Manatee County program manager.
· $35,000 to the Women’s Resource Center for resource advice.
The complete list of Bishop-Parker Foundation Spring 2024 capital grants is $350,000 to Conservation Foundation for land conservation; $25,000 to Foundation for Dreams for the purchase of adaptable furniture; $40,000 to Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center for Hurricane Ian repairs; $70,679 in Manatee Children’s Services for roofing and termite removal; $25,000 for our Bradenton daily bread for a refrigerated truck; $49,485 for Suncoast for shaded playground improvements; $90,000 for downtown Anna Maria Island for a new air conditioning system; And $86,000 to the Florida Center for Early Childhood to establish an office in Manatee County.
More information is available at Bishopparkerfoundation.org.
Submitted by Wendy Deming
This article originally appeared on the Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Bishop-Parker Foundation makes first steps in environmental support
