The Patterson Foundation strengthens people, organizations, and communities in ways that foster wide participation around shared quality-of-life aspirations. Through its Aspirations to Actions initiative, The Patterson Foundation has engaged The Harwood Institute since 2012 to encourage communities in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties to turn outward, discover shared aspirations, and transform them into meaningful action.

Through this initiative, people throughout the North River area of Manatee County have an opportunity to take their shared aspirations and turn them into actions that will result in positive change. This initiative can strengthen North River’s civic culture and create innovative, collaborative connections and partnerships that may not have otherwise formed.

The Patterson Foundation is funding this initiative to foster wide community participation as people throughout the North River Manatee County area identify and pursue their shared aspirations.

Inspired by the philanthropic legacies of its founders, the Bishop-Parker Foundation supports nonprofit and public partners who collaborate to advance the Manatee County community for current and future generations. The Bishop-Parker Foundation’s support is focused in the areas of arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, and animal welfare.

The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that equips those invested in creating positive change with the tools to bridge divides, build capacity, and tackle shared challenges.

The Patterson Foundation has engaged The Harwood Institute since 2012 to encourage communities in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties to turn outward, discover shared aspirations, and transform them into meaningful action.

In DeSoto County, months of community conversations and trust building resulted in the launch of DeSoto County Ahead in 2024. Funded by The Patterson Foundation, the initiative has brought new resources, stronger collaborations, and innovative approaches to address a number of community challenges, ensuring that every resident is seen, heard, and valued.

The North River area of Manatee County, which includes Ellenton, Palmetto, Parrish, and Rubonia, is one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions. This rapid growth creates a significant opportunity for the community to strengthen its civic culture and shape its future together.

In May 2026, the initiative’s partners released Growing Together in North River Manatee County, a community report developed through this initiative. The report reflects months of conversations, interviews, and roundtables with residents and leaders across Duette, Ellenton, Memphis, Palmetto, Parrish, Palmetto, Rubonia, Snead Island, and Terra Ceia. It explores what people value about life in North River Manatee County, the concerns rising amid rapid growth and change, and opportunities to strengthen the civic culture needed to move the area forward.

The report recommends four key areas where the community should focus its efforts:

• A stronger sense of community: Residents feel isolated and want deeper connections across neighborhoods, towns, organizations, and groups.
• Healthier public discourse: The area needs more constructive ways for people to talk through concerns, differences, and shared priorities.
• More community-focused leadership: North River Manatee County needs leaders who listen closely to residents and stay grounded in community aspirations.
• Shared action: Residents, organizations, and leaders have an opportunity to work together on issues that matter most to people's daily lives — and the time to act is now.

The North River Manatee County Initiative guided the community through a research and engagement phase from October 2025 through May 2026, resulting in the creation of a community report. Over the next two years, the initiative will focus on action and collaboration in the region.

For more information, visit the Bishop-Parker Foundation's website or contact The Patterson Foundation's Aspirations to Actions initiative lead Cheri Coryea: ccoryea@thepattersonfoundation.org.