View the list below for lenders certified with the Manatee County down payment assistance program:

• 2024 Certified Lender List

Contractors interested in participating in our housing rehabilitation and replacement programs can access our current Invitation for Bids (IFB)/Request for Proposals (RFP) and announcements through Neighborly web-based software. In order to access current jobs, Contractors must first register in Neighborly. For assistance, please email howard.jensen@mymanatee.org or by phone at (941) 748-4501, extension 3630.

Visit the sites below for information on how to contact agencies regarding Affordable Housing Rental Units located in Manatee County:

• Florida Housing Search
• Volunteers of America - Manatee County
• Manatee County Housing Authority - Public Housing and Section 8
• Bradenton Housing Authority - Public Housing and Section 8

 

 

Each year Manatee County anticipates receipt of an allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Programs (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). During January and February each year, public focus group meetings are held to solicit stakeholder/citizen comments on Manatee County’s low and moderate-income housing and community development needs, provide information about the eligibility of various kinds of activities and to answer questions regarding the grant programs. Feedback received is used to assist Manatee County in determining which priority when reviewing grant applications for the upcoming program year. When funding becomes available, generally in February/March Manatee County solicits grant applications from non-profit organizations to assist in addressing the housing and community development needs of the County’s low- and moderate-income residents. Contact us at 941-749-3030 for more information.

Many home buyers can afford a monthly mortgage payment but may not be able to pay all or a portion of the down payment and/or closing costs needed to purchase a home. Manatee County down payment assistance programs can help. Eligible Very low, low and moderate income residents of Unincorporated Manatee County and City of Palmetto may become eligible for assistance with the program. 

As a first step in the process of meeting eligibility requirements,  interested parties should schedule to attend a Homeownership Training Course with Step Up Suncoast - (941) 757-1166, Opt #1 or Community Solutions 360 - (941) 809-2231.

View guidelines information on the programs in the following brochures:

• CDBG Downpayment Assistance Program Guidelines
• SHIP Downpayment Assistance Program Guidelines

 

Contact us at 941-749-3030 for more information.

Visit the sites below for information on agencies in Manatee County with programs providing emergency assistance for rent and utilities:

• 2-1-1 Suncoast Cares
• Turning Points
• The Salvation Army

 

If you’ve received a notice from your landlord that might cause you to lose your housing, you should get legal help right away. If you owe your landlord rent, or if there are other problems, you should get legal help now. Do not wait for a rent assistance from a program. Getting advice from an attorney before an eviction is filed can help you in many ways. This legal help is free of charge if you are low income.

Visit the sites below for information on agencies who provide programs to assist to see if you qualify:

• Gulfcoast Legal Services
• Legal Aid of Manasota

Visit the sites below information on how to contact agencies in Manatee County providing homeless service programs:

• The Salvation Army
• Turning Points
• St Vincent de Paul
• Hope Family Services
• Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness Oneby1 Access Points

View the following brochures for information on the Manatee County homeowner's Rehabilitation and Replacement program:

• SHIP Rehabilitation-Replacement Brochure English Version
• SHIP Rehabilitation-Replacement Brochure Spanish Version

Contact us at 941-749-3030

Visit the sites below for information on agencies providing Senior Services in Manatee County:

• Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee County
• Allean's Loving Care

Visit the site below for information on how to contact agencies in the area who provide programs to improve your credit score:

• Community Solutions 360
• U. S. Department of Justice Credit Counseling and Education Information

The Neighborhood Action Plan Grant specifically targets neighborhoods that have an adopted Neighborhood Action Plan; neighborhoods in Washington Park, Parrish, Rubonia, Bayshore Gardens and Samoset. The grant level for the NAPG includes a no community matching requirement and grants are awarded up to $10,000.  The Neighborhood Enhancement Grant does not require an adopted Neighborhood Action Plan and is open for all neighborhoods in Manatee County. Grants levels for the NEG, include Level I: $0- $1,000 where there is no community matching required; Level II: $1,001- $10,000 where there is 1- for- 1 matching required for funding above $1,000 and matching may be in raised dollars or in-kind contributions (sweat equity).   **All grant funding must be for a public benefit.

The purpose of this grant program is to strengthen neighborhood associations and the communities which they serve. Applications must demonstrate community support and involvement in both the application and implementation phases of proposed projects/programs. Manatee County’s Neighborhood Enhancement Grant Program provides matching grants of up to $10,000 to neighborhoods. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis as long as funds last. Projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving funding. Grants may be awarded for any one-time improvement project, activities or events with a clear public benefit.

Projects considered a county government function or responsibility will be deemed ineligible. The following is a sample list of projects/programs that would not be eligible for funding:  Alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances.  Beverages and food  Canal clean ups  Capital items (individual items that would require tracking by County asset management, excluding signage/surveillance camera equipment)  Community Centers   Computer hardware/software and other electronic devices and related equipment  Daily operating expenses and maintenance  Ditch clean ups  Drainage   Duplication of an existing public or private program  Expenditures or financial commitments made before the organization/parties have signed fully executed contract   Extending bus routes   Fines, penalties, and associated costs  Food/drink for festivals/celebrations  Funding for organizations located outside of Manatee County  Fundraising, investment management cost or employee salaries and other associated cost  Gift cards/gifts  Home improvements  Housing   Infrastructure   Interior repairs or improvements  Lift Station   Lodging fees and associated costs  Ongoing multi-year projects  Ongoing or operational costs (including salaries/personnel)  Operating expenses not directly related to the awarded project  Pedestrian walkways   Pedestrian warning lights   Private transportation expenses including mileage, gas, insurance, car rentals, etc.  Projects typically funded under other sources such as County (or City) department operating budgets, Capital Improvement Program, Community Development Block Grant Program  Projects which conflict with existing County plans/policies  Projects/programs already funded from another source (including current operating budgets)  Projects/programs that have already been completed  Railroad improvements   Roadway extensions and realignment   Salaries for administration  Safety signage and lighting   Sidewalks   Street Lighting   To replace funding lost from other funding sources  Traffic lighting   Transportation improvements   Trophies and awards and associated cost  Water and sewer infrastructure   Zoning

Applications are open for neighborhoods who have an adopted Neighborhood Action Plan. Neighborhood groups or associations, crime watch groups, or non-profit group partnered with a neighborhood and working towards its enhancement located within the following areas in Manatee County may qualify. Groups must be comprised of neighborhood residents and stakeholders, and the project or event must be held in the same neighborhood.  Groups are asked to register for Neighborhood Connections Magazine (www.mymanatee.org/ncm) and sign up to be a neighborhood contact (sign up to be a contact here).  Groups are asked to send a neighborhood representative to attend Manatee County’s Neighborhood Conference/Summit.

Please contact the Neighborhood Connections Division at 748-4501, x6929, or email neighborhoodconnections@mymanatee.org