Bradenton, FL — 5/5/26

It’s a Match!  The Manatee Literacy Council is proud to announce it has been awarded a $21,718.50 grant from the Manatee Matches Giving Circle of Manatee Community Foundation to support and expand adult literacy programs across Manatee County.

This funding will strengthen several key areas of the organization’s work, including sustaining in-person English classes at local libraries, building long-term fundraising capacity, expanding access to the Ellii instructional platform, and launching a new pilot program to help English language learners prepare for Florida’s driver’s license exam.

“This grant is an investment not only in our programs, but in the long-term success of our organization and the learners we serve,” said Michelle Desveaux McLean, Executive Director of the Manatee Literacy Council. “It allows us to continue offering critical in-person instruction while also piloting new programs and strengthening the foundation of our work.”  A current learner recently shared, “Because of these classes, I got a better job and feel braver!,” highlighting the real-life impact of the organization’s programs.

While this grant provides critical support, additional funding is still needed to sustain in-person ESL classes at local library branches fully. The Manatee Literacy Council does not receive local, state, or federal funding and relies entirely on grants and private donations to deliver its free programs. Community support is also essential to fully fund the English for Driving pilot program and ensure continued access to an instructional platform, both of which expand learning opportunities for adult learners.

The grant includes a matching component, requiring the Manatee Literacy Council to raise additional funds by December 31, 2026. This challenge is designed to inspire new community support and amplify the impact of the Giving Circle’s investment.

With an estimated 68,000 adults in Manatee County struggling with low literacy, the need for accessible, effective programs remains significant. Through this funding, the Manatee Literacy Council will continue working toward its goal of helping more adults gain the skills they need to improve their lives, support their families, and contribute to the local workforce.

To learn more, get involved, or support this work through a donation, volunteer opportunity, or partnership, please contact the Manatee Literacy Council

About the Manatee Literacy Council
The Manatee Literacy Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Manatee County adults to independence through literacy. For more than 40 years, the organization has provided free programs in Adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Adult Basic Education, and workforce literacy. Through small-group classes, one-on-one tutoring, and community partnerships, the Manatee Literacy Council helps adults improve their reading, writing, and English communication skills to achieve their personal, educational, and career goals. www.manatee-literacy.org (941) 746-8197

About the Manatee Community Foundation
Manatee Community Foundation connects the generosity of donors with the needs of the community to build a better Manatee County. For more than 25 years, the Foundation has been a trusted partner in philanthropy – bringing together individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and local leaders to address complex challenges and create lasting impact. Through strategic grantmaking, community leadership, and meaningful partnerships, Manatee Community Foundation strengthens connections and resources to help our community thrive. For more information about Manatee Community Foundation, visit ManateeCF.org.