Trolley Giving Back Program

This fantastic program is a joint venture between Manatee County Government and the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. With an average of half a million riders a year, the free trolleys help reduce traffic around the island. In order to help keep the trolleys free for all who ride them, the AMI Chamber sells advertisement space on the outside as well as on the inside of the trolleys. These ads also brighten and amplify the character of the trolleys as well as the island. Be sure to check them out, you will find great offers in some of the ads!

After taking care of expenses and administrative costs, excess revenue is dispersed in the form of grants to committee-selected Island and Cortez non and not-for-profits. The AMI Chamber is extremely honored to be a part of this valuable program and give back to the community in an effort to preserve our island, its wildlife, history, arts and culture and organizations who do so much for our society.

Grant applications are available to Island and Cortez non and not-for profits around mid-October each year. Completed applications, along with a copy of the organization’s 501(c) document, are due mid-December. The exact due date will be on each year’s application and varies slightly from year to year. Grants are typically awarded during the January following the application deadline at the AMI Chamber’s monthly social on the 4th Thursday of the month. Applications will be available mid-October on this website by clicking the button below or by visiting the “Event and Scholarship Forms” page.

We wish to extend a huge thank you to all trolley advertisers! This program is not only a great way to promote your business, but also support our Island and Cortez non and not-for-profits, the community as a whole, and help keep the Anna Maria Island trolley free! Thank you Manatee County as well for your continued support of this valuable program!