Bradenton, FL – June 7, 2025

Empowering Learners Through Financial Literacy: Our Collaboration with Project Prosper

Earlier this month, Roger and I had the privilege of attending Fueling Dynamic Fundraising, a four-day seminar hosted through The Patterson Foundation in partnership with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Fund Raising School. We were honored to be selected for this incredible opportunity and grateful for the investment in our mission and the future of the Manatee Literacy Council.

The Fund Raising School is recognized as the preeminent professional training and education program for nonprofit fundraising. Their curriculum uniquely blends cutting-edge research with real-world best practices, equipping nonprofit leaders with the tools to become skilled, adaptable, and dynamic fundraisers. From strategy and storytelling to donor engagement and long-term sustainability, the program challenges participants to think differently and act boldly.

This experience aligns seamlessly with The Patterson Foundation’s Nonprofit Thrivability initiative, which encourages organizations like ours to move beyond survival mode. Thrivability is about building resilient systems, seizing opportunities, and cultivating a mindset that empowers us to grow and innovate—even in the face of uncertainty.

One of the most exciting aspects of our participation is that the learning doesn’t stop after the final session. The Patterson Foundation will continue to walk alongside our organization for an entire year, offering consulting support and additional learning opportunities to help us apply what we’ve learned and push our fundraising efforts even further.

This journey will strengthen our capacity not just to raise funds but to deepen our impact, ensuring that more adults in Manatee County have access to life-changing literacy education. We’re committed to putting these insights into action as we build a more sustainable and thriving future for Manatee Literacy.

Stay tuned—we’re just getting started!

Michelle

Fueling Dynamic Fundraising is generously funded by The Patterson Foundation to foster wide participation among Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota nonprofits who aspire to strengthen their fundraising efforts.

Bradenton, FL – May 28, 2025

Empowering Learners Through Financial Literacy: Our Collaboration with Project Prosper

At Manatee Literacy Council, we know that helping adults build better lives through literacy means going beyond grammar and vocabulary. It means giving our learners the tools to navigate real-world challenges, and one of the most essential areas is financial literacy.

That’s why we were excited to partner with Project Prosper, a Tampa Bay nonprofit that provides immigrants and refugees with culturally relevant financial education and resources. This spring, 17 of our intermediate-level adult ESOL learners had the opportunity to attend Project Prosper’s financial literacy program, and the experience was a huge success.

Over the course of the program, learners explored essential topics including budgeting, understanding credit reports and scores, loans, opening bank accounts, fraud prevention, and even an introduction to the home buying process. Project Prosper’s team delivered the content in a clear, engaging, and supportive way, tailored to the needs of English language learners navigating the U.S. financial system for the first time.

Our learners came away not just with new knowledge but with increased confidence in their ability to make informed financial decisions. One participant shared, “Now I understand what a credit score is and how to build it. I feel more in control of my future.”

We’re so proud of our learners for taking this step, and we’re incredibly grateful to Project Prosper for providing such a valuable experience. As a follow-up, we encourage our volunteer tutors to build on these lessons by integrating financial literacy topics into tutoring sessions when possible. The website consumer.gov/resources offers free, easy-to-use materials that cover many of the same topics and are ideal for adult ESOL learners.  We hope to work with Project Prosper in the future to offer more financial literacy classes!

This collaboration is just one more way we’re working to support the whole learner, because literacy isn’t just about words. It’s about life.

About Project Prosper
Project Prosper is a nonprofit organization based in Tampa Bay that empowers recent immigrants and refugees with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve financial stability. Through culturally responsive financial literacy classes and a unique matched savings program, Project Prosper helps individuals gain the confidence and skills to navigate the U.S. financial system and reach their personal goals. Learn more at projectprosper.org.

About Manatee Literacy Council
Manatee Literacy Council is a nonprofit based in Manatee County, Florida, dedicated to empowering adult residents through literacy. We offer free, one-on-one and small group tutoring in English language and basic literacy, helping individuals gain the skills they need to achieve independence, pursue goals, and contribute to our community. Learn more or get involved at manatee-literacy.org.