The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation recently awarded $11,285,000 in new grants to support a range of local organizations serving the community. The grants include significant investments in affordable housing for adults with developmental disabilities and for local artists and arts  workers; hands-on, real-world learning opportunities in two Sarasota County high schools; and the expansion of All Faiths Food Bank’s DeSoto Food and Resource Center.

The University Park Women’s Club raised more than $23,000 for the Women’s Resource Center and Feeding Empty Little Tummies at its "An Evening at SEA" fundraiser.

Halfacre Construction Company recently made a $25,000 donation to The Haven’s during its annual All Abilities On The Floor gala in February.

Rep. Vern Buchanan recently announced $22,550,550 in Community Project Funding for infrastructure, economic development, public safety, veterans services and health initiatives across Florida’s 16th Congressional District. In Manatee County, that includes $1.5 million for the design and construction of trail segments connecting Palmetto to Parrish; $2.8 million to Manatee County Veterans Service Center to support construction of a 12,000-square-foot facility providing critical services to local veterans and their families; $1.5 million to improve infrastructure, safety and economic development on 51st Street West in Manatee County; $3,345,000 in federal reimbursement for prior port channel improvements at SeaPort Manatee; $1 million for intersection upgrades, pedestrian safety improvements and congestion reduction on S.R. 64; $3 million for stormwater improvements in Bradenton City Park; $1.5. million for Holmes Beach stormwater infrastructure improvements along Marina Drive; $800,000 for pedestrian safety along New College of Florida's north-south corridor; $605,550 in facility and equipment upgrades for Manatee Children's Services, which provides trauma-informed care for vulnerable youth; and more.