Community Fund is avenue for donors to help others.(H-T EAST)

Byline: STEVE HEISLER CORRESPONDENT

A shift is taking place within the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, a subtle change of direction as it comes to terms with how best to grow and whom to rely upon for that expansion.

The fund currently has a little more than $1 million in its coffers and gave more than $100,000 in grants to 28 local organizations last year. But while much of its capital is derived from fundraisers like the sixth annual Gala at Lakewood Ranch, Carnivale, in early February, the source of its income is moving from company bank accounts to individual wallets.

"You could say it's a shift or a broadening of its perspective," said Cathy Layton, the chairwoman of the fund's corporate sponsorship committee. "The original …