Lakewood Ranch is a planned community in east Manatee County the size of a town at 50 square miles. It continues to be one of the fastest growing communities in the nation, a gift to our region–especially during a time when its success is helping to keep our economy healthy.

As of January 2021, Lakewood Ranch has been recognized as the best-selling, master-planned multi-generational community in the country by John Burns and RCLCO for the third year in a row. Its 42,000 residents are active, and the community is filled with shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, nature, and recreation.

In this bustling area of growth and engagement, charitable giving has incredible possibility and contributions. Along with the active lifestyle residents enjoy, the sense of a caring in this generous community makes a difference in the lives of others who give and volunteer.

As a native of this area, I have called Lakewood Ranch home for almost 18 years, and I am also one of many caring people who energetically participates in local causes that support children, families, animals and special places.

Giving circles are an example of generosity at work in Lakewood Ranch. Manatee Community Foundation is proud to provide a home to five women’s giving circles based on Lakewood Ranch. Giving circles are groups of people–typically women–that pool their financial resources collectively and decide how to grant them to nonprofit organizations with the goal of strengthening their communities. They are created when neighbors, friends, and those with similar recreational and philanthropic interests come together with intentionality. Collective giving is a great way to increase impact and to build social connections and knowledge.

Another example of generosity in the area is the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, a fund of Manatee Community Foundation created twenty years ago to serve the people and interests of the Lakewood Ranch community, allowing donor-allocated funds to stay in our region. The Board of Advisors seeks charitable gifts, reviews grant proposals and distributes funds to local nonprofits. Primary attention is given to education, youth, sports, elderly, health, environment, food insecurity libraries, arts, and culture.

Lakewood Ranch is a vibrant place that aspires to be a community for all ages with deep roots and relationships.

It’s my pleasure to serve this area in my role at Manatee Community Foundation and see its residents grow their philanthropic impact and involvement. Contact me at AChalmers@ManateeCF.org.

Alicia Chalmers is the manager of donor engagement at the Manatee Community Foundation.