Nonprofits play key role in Lakewood Ranch's growth

It has been a common joke around Lakewood Ranch. A person says he or she was born in Florida.

Then comes the reply, "So you're the one?"

Certainly, Lakewood Ranch's immense popularity among both in-state and out-of-state buyers — even out-of-country buyers — would seem to be ripe for an apathetic attitude when it comes to supporting local nonprofits.

Wouldn't it take years to develop a feeling of allegiance to the community?

Brittany Lamont, who became the CEO of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance in 2021, said she found quite the opposite when she took over as the nonprofit's leader.

"It has amazed me that the second people touch down here, they want to be immersed in their community," Lamont said.

She said Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, which is celebrating its 30th year of developing Lakewood Ranch, played a key role in creating that environment.

"SMR made sure Lakewood Ranch has a small town feel," Lamont said. "That's even though it has big city amenities. SMR created the culture out of the gate."

Lamont said upon hitting the ground in Lakewood Ranch, people discover a "love thy neighbor" mentality.

"It has a 'Love the place you're investing in' feel," Lamont said. "The people in Lakewood Ranch, in general, have privilege. But they go beyond their walls to support the community. They had volunteered at their food bank or their nonprofits at their previous home, and they brought that here. What a giving community this is. They care about those who live in it."

Lamont, who had lived in Sarasota most of her adult life, said people don't come to Lakewood Ranch primarily to retire like she experienced in Sarasota.

"They want to be active members of the community," she said. "I always tell people half of my customers (who will be interesting in joining LWRBA) haven't even arrived yet."

She said that is because Lakewood Ranch has new communities being built that will host thousands of homes.

"We have to keep the pulse and understand what the community needs," she said. "We know the needs will change. It's never one size fits all. Do we have the right makeup of amenities? Do we have the right makeup of businesses?"

Angela Massaro-Fain moved to Lakewood Ranch in 1998 and has seen the community grow. She saw immediately that Lakewood Ranch would support nonprofits and in 2011 she founded Sisterhood for Good, primarily with other Lakewood Ranch women.

While Sisterhood for Good has grown to include members from outside Lakewood Ranch, the nonprofit keeps Lakewood Ranch as its home and still serves the area's needs.

"Has Sisterhood for Good been embraced by Lakewood Ranch?" Massaro-Fain said. "I would say it has."

Photo by Jay Heater

This year, Sisterhood for Good broke its own record by handing out $153,036 in grants to 40 nonprofits. That broke 2023's record total of $110,800.

The all-female volunteer force has grown from 10 ladies the first year to more than 260 members.

Mark Clark is the President of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation. The nonprofit was formed a quarter century ago with the backing of SMR and the direction of former SMR CEO John Clarke.

"I would say that embracing a nonprofit is a journey," said Clark, a 20-year Lakewood Ranch resident. "A lot of people moved here for lifestyle and the climate. Once they got here, once they planted some seeds, they asked 'How can we make a difference?'

"I am thankful SMR had the vision to lay the foundation for this community. It's been a fantastic design in an attractive community, but then the people have to take over."

Clark said SMR's master plan has been effective in not only drawing people to Lakewood Ranch, but drawing "quality people."

He said the effort has to continue by the nonprofits to provide valuable services to the community across all ages, from kids to retired folks.

"The nonprofits are just as important to a community as roads and utilities," Clark said. "They can impact the community in such a positive way. They need to be able to deliver."

He said nonprofits has to be prepared as the community continues to grow and the needs change.

"The needs will continue to grow," he said. "And services must be provided on all socio-economic levels. It's a whole different service offering than it was 30 years ago. We are just beginning to see the generation that was born in Lakewood Ranch go into the work force."

VolunteerMatch.org counts 139 nonprofit, local organizations that serve Lakewood Ranch.