Manatee Community Foundation gets $500,000 to establish a COVID-19 response fund

Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, $500,000 will now be put toward combating the effects of the coronavirus pandemic in Manatee County.

The Manatee Community Foundation announced Saturday that it will use the funds to establish a new COVID-19 Community Response Fund to support the flexible and changing needs of health and human service organizations.

In a press release from Executive Director Susie Bowie, she said the fund also provides an opportunity for individual tax-deductible gifts that will support trusted local charities working in the areas of health and human services. That includes the impact to those they serve.

Donations to this new fund will allow MCF to respond quickly to emerging needs.

“We know people want to help nonprofits do what they do best, improve the lives of those who come to them for services, especially during this critical time,” Bowie said. “These dollars will support charitable organizations on the front lines, as well as those that are finding innovative ways to deliver programs to people who need help.”

MCF also is asking individuals to continue their annual giving directly to specific organizations.

“The health of our community depends on continued donations that support all charitable missions,” she said. “If you are able to sustain your level of giving from previous years, please consider doing so.”

For more information on the new response fund or to learn how to help further, visit ManateeCF.org or call 941-747-7765. Gifts to the response fund can also be mailed to Manatee Community Foundation, 2820 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton with the area code 34205. Add COVID-19 to the memo line of any donation meant for the response fund.

This story was originally published March 28, 2020 at 3:03 PM.