Foundation names nonprofit exec to be its first VP of knowledge and equity

SARASOTA — The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has named nonprofit veteran Ranata Reeder to a newly created post as vice president of knowledge and equity.

In the new leadership role, Reeder will gather data and community input to raise awareness of inequities in the region with an aim of promoting solutions to them, according to a statement. Reeder also will provide ways that local philanthropy can directly impact the lives of both individuals and families and address “long-term charitable investments to improve overall quality of life for area residents,” the statement adds. 

The foundation also hopes to use data to review and identify historic trends that can bring awareness regarding ways to address inequities.  

Reeder brings more than 14 years of nonprofit experience in the arts, economic innovation, housing and public health to her new job. She also earned a master’s in community-based research from the University of North Carolina—Greensboro and has worked on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s “Culture of Health Leaders” program.

“This is an important moment to think about how philanthropic investments can have the greatest impact,” says Roxie Jerde, the president and CEO of the Community Foundation, in the statement.

“Like any good investment, research is key to identifying opportunities and challenges, as well as tracking results so we can more accurately understand how charitable gifts are making measurable changes.”

Jerde adds that Reeder’s addition will “help us be more effective in uniting our donors, nonprofit partners, and other stakeholders for the betterment of the overall community.”

Reeder’s work is expected to complement the foundation’s long-term, multi-generational investments in human services, education, and cultural pursuits, which are led by the foundation’s Community Impact department.

Together, these data-informed and input-guided teams, alongside the foundation’s philanthropy department, will offer insights and knowledge to individuals and families who have a trusted partnership with the Community Foundation to advise on their philanthropic investment goals.

“I look forward to working in partnership with our community’s diverse array of nonprofit, private, and civic leaders as we take data-driven, actionable steps to address inequities and provide opportunities and guidance so everyone that calls this region home can live their fullest life,” Reeder says, in the statement.

Founded in 1979, the Community Foundation today has more than $420 million in assets and 1,500 charitable funds. In 2020, the group awarded nearly $49 million in grants to educational, arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare and environmental organizations.

Since its formation, the foundation has awarded more than $323 million to area nonprofit organizations.