$122,850 Awarded to Support Nonprofits Caring for Animals

March 3, 2021 – Sarasota

Manatee Community Foundation recently awarded $122,850 in grants from the Bill and Maryann Vinall Fund to support charitable organizations caring for animals in Manatee County.

A total of $45,000 was awarded to three organizations providing equine therapy for individuals with disabilities: InStride Therapy, Sarasota-Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, and Prospect Riding Center. The grants offered unrestricted support for the most pressing needs identified by each organization.

“We are at an important moment, accepting that COVID and the related precautions we have instituted are probably here to stay for the foreseeable future, and we are mapping out how we adjust and persevere,” said Susan Tambone, founder of Prospect Riding Center.

“The Manatee Community Foundation grant will help us through this difficult time, helping us bridge the gap between our pre-COVID business model and how we need to operate in a post-COVID world. It will help us to continue to meet our mission of helping individuals with special needs overcome their physical, developmental, or psychological challenges.”

Mote Marine Laboratory received a $20,000 grant to support animals recovering in the Hospital for Dolphins and Whales and Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital.

The Humane Society of Manatee County’s free spay/neuter program was awarded with a $40,000 grant to help reduce overpopulation of homeless animals in the area. Since 2018, the Humane Society has been awarded more than $185,000 in funds for spay/neuter from the Bill and Maryann Vinall Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation.

Additional grants include $4,100 to help protect canines serving with the Bradenton Police Department and $8,750 to provide care for homeless pets with special needs at Honor Animal Rescue.

Late donors Bill and Maryann Vinall were passionate about the care and well-being of animals and partnered with Manatee Community Foundation to create a permanently endowed fund supporting animals with grant dollars available each year.

“It is a great honor to steward the legacy of the Vinalls every year, supporting outcomes in animal welfare and organizations that help individuals thrive with animal therapy,” said Susie Bowie, executive director of Manatee Community Foundation.

Learn more online at ManateeCF.org.