Pictured: Jackie Barron, Mosaic; Wendy Deming, Bishop Parker Foundation; Veronica Thames, Manatee Community Foundation; and Tom Waters, Easterseals Happiness House. Photo courtesy of Manatee Community Foundation.

At Manatee Community Foundation, we know that meaningful, lasting change does not happen in isolation. Our impact grows exponentially when we collaborate - strategically and proactively - with others who share our commitment to making a difference.

One of the most powerful examples of this spirit of collaboration is our ongoing partnership with Manatee County-based Bishop-Parker Foundation.

With roots dating back to 1953, Bishop-Parker Foundation has long played a critical role in addressing a wide range of community issues across Manatee County. Since 2021, our organizations have partnered on joint initiatives that have resulted in more than $1.7 million in combined financial impact - work that will continue to create ripple effects for years to come.

Some of our most meaningful collaborations include:

• Strengthening disaster preparedness: Through MCF’s leadership, we brought together Bishop-Parker Foundation, Manatee County Government, and United Way Suncoast to co-invest in a Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) network. This partnership is helping nonprofits, government agencies, and first responders work together more effectively to prepare for and respond in times of crisis.
• Building a resilient healthcare workforce: Through the Suncoast Nursing Action Coalition, we are supporting scholarships for aspiring doctors and nurses who are committed to serving the Manasota region, directly improving the quality and accessibility of local healthcare.
• Addressing hunger collaboratively: Convened by Bishop-Parker Foundation, the Manatee Food Security Network brings together more than 50 organizations focused on tackling food insecurity. By coordinating efforts, these partners are identifying gaps and building stronger, more sustainable solutions to hunger across the county.
• Fostering cross-sector alignment: Through MCF’s convening of CLASP (Community Leaders Aligning Strategies and Partnerships), we’re aligning efforts across sectors, from the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and Bradenton Area EDC to local governments and nonprofits, including Bishop-Parker Foundation, to advance shared strategies for a stronger community.

When foundations work in partnership, the benefits are undeniable. Resources can be better aligned, gaps in services more easily identified, and funding can be directed where it will make the greatest impact opening the door to deeper collaboration, collective action, and greater resilience.

As the Trustees of the Bishop-Parker Foundation direct the philanthropic legacy of Ned and Patty Bishop and Mary Parker, we’re proud to stand alongside them and their commitment to community building, kindness, and stewardship.

Today, our community faces both new challenges and new opportunities. As Manatee County continues to grow, so does the need for our nonprofits to expand their reach and readiness, not only in the face of disasters but also in addressing the everyday challenges that affect our residents.

In the aftermath of storms like Debby, Helene, and Milton, we saw what’s possible when we come together. MCF and Bishop-Parker Foundation partnered with nonprofits like the Early Learning Coalition, Meals on Wheels PLUS, and Hope Florida, alongside corporate allies such as Mosaic and FPL. Together, we helped relocate a childcare center on Anna Maria Island, coordinated the delivery of essential supplies to mobile home communities, and hosted an on-site support hub for foster care families with Family Initiative, Inc.

This is the spirit of collaboration we must carry forward. Our work with Bishop-Parker Foundation is just one example of what is possible when we unite around a shared purpose - to strengthen our community for today and for generations to come.

Veronica Thames is the CEO of Manatee Community Foundation.

Pictured: Jackie Barron, Mosaic; Wendy Deming, Bishop Parker Foundation; Veronica Thames, Manatee Community Foundation; and Tom Waters, Easterseals Happiness House. Photo courtesy of Manatee Community Foundation.