Mission Statement

“Investing in the Youth in Our Community”

Our Goals:

• To support, with our time, talents and treasures, programs that invest in the youth in Manatee County.

• To provide philanthropic opportunities for women of all ages, backgrounds and career paths.

• To celebrate the diversity of women in our community.

• To partner with United Way to support a wide variety of programs that impact the lives of young people.

Our Commitment:

100% of donations and dues paid to WLI are distributed through a grants process to programs that invest in the future of our community: our youth.  Each year, a committee reviews the grant applications and selects programs that benefit and invest in the youth of Manatee County.  Funded programs often entail local youth engaging in philanthropic efforts within the community. While administrative support is provided by United Way, all expenses of WLI are covered by our sponsors.

Our History:

The Women’s Leadership Initiative officially kicked off in October of 2004 and has grown to over 60 dynamic members dedicated to Investing in the Youth in Our Community.  When established, Women’s Leadership Initiative vowed to donate 100% of their membership dues to their beneficiary, The Whole Child Project Manatee. In May of 2005, these women presented their first check in the amount of $4500 to Whole Child. A second check was presented on November 15th, 2005 bringing the total amount donated to Whole Child Project Manatee to $9000. In addition to the financial support to the community, WLI recognized Women's History Month in March with a wonderful Luncheon, participated in the annual Children's Summit as well as provided wrapped gifts to 130 young girls to be used as gifts for their caregivers during the holiday season.

The year 2006 proved to be a year of continued growth for this group of dynamic ladies.  WLI established a grants process for the distribution of their annual dues to ensure that all monies would be directed to programs that align with the mission of WLI; to Invest in the Youth in Our Community. That year, a youth-based program from both the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County and the Whole Child Project were selected for funding that totaled $8000. After only 1 year of this grants process, WLI had reached a new milestone.  In 2007, over 11 grant requests were made for an excess of $22,000! The following programs were selected for funding:

• American Red Cross Youth Corps - $2000
• Family Partnership Center TAPP Program - $1500
• Just for Girls Alternative Education Program - $1500
• Volunteer Manatee Books and Birthdays Program - $1450
• Woodland Community Church Non-Extreme Home Makeover - $1425

Looking ahead to 2008, the needs of this community are growing and the ladies of WLI are committed to the youth in Manatee County.  Please consider positively impacting our youth by joining the Women's Leadership Initiative.