62 “MCF was formed by a group of local leaders who recognized how important it was for Manatee County to have its own community foundation,” Bowie explains. “Community foundations provide a trusted way for philanthropic individuals to establish their own professionally managed charitable funds. But they also offer knowledge about their communities, experience in effective giving, tools to bring people together to address complex challenges and opportunities, and resources beyond grants to local nonpro��ts.” Over the past two decades, MCF has awarded more than $20 million in grants and scholarships that support education, human services, health, youth, animal welfare, arts and the environment. In February 2016, the Foundation moved into its new building located at 2820 Manatee Avenue West, providing a space where community members can meet and discuss important issues. “Many donors work with us during their lifetimes, partnering with MCF to make their giving more strategic, easy - and many times, more fun,” Bowie points out. “Other donors have chosen to partner with us for their charitable legacy planning, knowing that we will ensure their wishes for our community live on forever.” A MUSE FOR GIVING It seems that Bowie’s passion for philanthropy is contagious - and she has a ��air for inspiring people to give back to the Manatee County community. However, Bowie says the privilege is all hers. “Working with nonpro��ts and the people who support them is a privilege that I feel very fortunate to have,” she enthuses. While Bowie is clearly an expert in her ��eld, she realizes her philanthropy education is never ��nished. “A few years ago, I had
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