In 2000, the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund was developed to serve the people and interests of the Lakewood Ranch community, and allow donor-allocated funds to stay in our region, serving a variety of charitable interests.

The Fund is set up under the umbrella of the larger Manatee Community Foundation to reduce management costs and allow more assets to remain in the community.

A Board of Advisors is responsible for seeking out donations, reviewing grant proposals and distributing funding.

All requests from qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that pertain to this region can be considered. Primary attention is given to programs that promote a hometown lifestyle and provide community enhancement, including education, youth, sports, elderly, health, environment, libraries, arts and culture.

Grant applications are available on line each summer. Proposals are reviewed in early fall and grants are announced in September.