Celebrating the Past. Inspiring the Future
Our history is more than a timeline of milestones—it is a story of growth, collaboration, and community.
From our beginnings as one of the Founders 50 Funds within the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, operating under the umbrella of the Manatee Community Foundation, to becoming an independent charitable foundation, every chapter reflects the vision, generosity, and dedication of the women who have shaped our journey.
Today, that legacy continues through our members, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and community partners as we work together to create lasting impact throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Founded by Barbara Najmy and fourteen visionary women, The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle was established as one of the Founders 50 Funds within the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, operating under the umbrella of the Manatee Community Foundation.
United by friendship, generosity, and a shared commitment to giving back, these women planted the seeds for what would become a lasting legacy of philanthropy throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Our first fundraising event marked an exciting milestone, transforming a shared vision into meaningful action. More than raising funds, it strengthened friendships, inspired community involvement, and demonstrated the power of women coming together to make a difference.
We proudly awarded our first community grants, turning generosity into measurable impact. Every grant represented hope, opportunity, and a commitment to improving the lives of women, children, and families throughout our community.
As our membership, community partnerships, and philanthropic impact continued to grow, so did our vision. Guided by the dedication of our members and leaders, we strengthened our governance, expanded our outreach, and built the organizational infrastructure that prepared us for our next chapter.
Our largest grant award year reflected the extraordinary generosity of our members and the strength of our growing partnerships, allowing us to expand our reach and deepen our impact throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Our members demonstrated that philanthropy extends far beyond financial contributions. Through record volunteer service and outreach, countless lives were touched by the power of compassion, kindness, and community.
Building upon more than a decade of growth and impact, The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle proudly became The Lake Club Women’s Charitable Foundation after receiving independent 501(c)(3) status.
While our legal structure evolved beyond our original home within the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund and the Manatee Community Foundation, our purpose remained unchanged—to bring women together to learn, lead, give, and inspire while creating lasting impact throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Today, our Board of Directors, members, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and community partners proudly continue building upon the vision established by our founders. Together, we invest in nonprofit organizations that strengthen our community while inspiring women to lead lives of generosity, service, and purpose.
Our journey is far from over.
As we look ahead, our vision is to grow our philanthropic impact by expanding community support, strengthening partnerships, and increasing the resources available to nonprofit organizations serving women, children, and families throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
With every new member, volunteer, donor, sponsor, and community partner, we move closer to a future where even more lives are changed through the power of collective giving.
Our Legacy Lives Through People
Every grant tells a story.
Every volunteer changes a life.
Every member, donor, sponsor, and community partner becomes part of our legacy.
Together, we’re not just honoring our history—we’re shaping the future.
The next chapter is still being written.
We hope you’ll write it with us.