Community Spotlight: Realize Bradenton Named Public & Societal Benefit Nonprofit of the Year

TAMPA – Realize Bradenton was recognized as the 2014 Public & Societal Benefit Nonprofit of the Year at an awards ceremony in Tampa. Conducted by the Tampa Bay Business Journal and sponsored by Mauldin & Jenkins, an independent panel of judges named 42 organizations as finalists for the 2014 Nonprofit of the Year Awards. There are a total of 9,219 nonprofits in the Tampa Bay, Manatee, and Sarasota regions.

The Nonprofit of the Year Awards honor nonprofit organizations making a significant impact in the community every day. Since its inception in 2005, the awards program recognizes organizations that demonstrate strong financial-best practices and lean management structures that support the delivery of their mission-driven goals.

Realize Bradenton was also awarded the Public Interest Group of the Year in 2013 by the American Planning Association. This second significant recognition underscores the positive impact that Realize Bradenton has on residents, visitors, and businesses. As a community-benefit organization, Realize Bradenton works with others to continually strengthen the Bradenton area’s social, cultural, and physical assets in the key areas of: strategic marketing and communication; special events and event support; and public engagement, outreach, and capacity building for other nonprofits.

“To be showcased among the many fantastic nonprofit organizations in this region is truly an honor, and we are sincerely grateful for the recognition,” stated Dr. Judith Sedgeman, Chair of the Realize Bradenton board. “This award is particularly meaningful because it emphasizes the collaborative work of our board, staff, volunteers, and many community partners, such as the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority. We also congratulate the South Florida Museum, as the 2014 Arts, Culture, and Humanities Nonprofit of the Year.”