Eligibility for most services in Manatee County is based on residency and an annual income that meets federal government poverty guidelines. To help individuals determine if they meet the criteria, the county has established a program that is available to non-profit organizations that meet the specific requirements of the Manatee CARES community health and wellness category and the economic recovery category. The nonprofit organization must certify that their organization will not replace or supplant existing funds and that they understand that federal law prohibits organizations from replacing state, local, or agency funds with federal funds. Legal Aid of Manasota provides free civil legal services to residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties who have limited income and assets.
The Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) also offers assistance to those in need, as many of their funders care deeply about their own community, but also support regional, state, or national charitable programs. Individuals can create their own charitable fund now, establish it in their will, or create it through a trust agreement that benefits both their family and a charity. To assist non-profit organizations in Manatee County in their recovery efforts and in accordance with CARES Act guidelines, the fourth round of funding has been considered eligible for certain uses. The hours of volunteer service must be documented in writing and the document must be signed by the student, the student's parent or guardian, and a representative of the organization for which the student performed the volunteer service work.
MCF funds can support any 501 (c) (charitable) organization in the country, including churches and universities. This includes organizations that provide services such as food banks, homeless shelters, medical care, educational programs, job training, and other social services. In order to receive assistance from MCF or any other charitable organization in Manatee County, individuals must meet certain criteria. These criteria may include residency requirements, income level requirements, and other factors such as age or disability status.
It is important to note that each organization may have different criteria for eligibility so it is important to contact each organization directly to determine if you qualify for assistance. In addition to meeting eligibility requirements, individuals must also provide documentation to prove their eligibility. This may include proof of residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill; proof of income such as pay stubs or tax returns; and other documents such as birth certificates or Social Security cards. Charitable organizations in Manatee County are dedicated to helping those in need. By understanding the criteria used to determine who receives assistance from these organizations, individuals can ensure they are taking advantage of all available resources.
