Those We Support
Where there's a problem, there's a solution. Where there's a need, there's a fulfillment. Where there's a hope, there's a realization. Where there's a hand, there's another hand to reach out, lift up, or otherwise embrace. That's why Charitable Foundation of the Islands exists and excels. In total, CFI supports approximately 12 island non-profit organizations, but focuses our efforts on four entities that create dynamic, positive outcomes for people on Sanibel and Captiva. Here are some examples of actions speaking louder than words.
Nonprofit Employee Assistance Program
The first grant of CFI’s Hurricane Ian Recovery Fund was designed to assist the employees of our nonprofit partners, many of whom lost so much in the storm. A group of generous CFI donors offered $100,000 in matching funds to help the staff get back on their feet. The match was met and surpassed. F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva, a nonprofit social services agency will manage the application and gifting of the funds. For more information about the program, click here.
“This assistance will help us towards everything we lost in our home from clothes to appliances. We are rebuilding our lives from scratch and will need all the help we can get. ”
Community Housing & Resources
Community Housing and Resources, Inc. is a private 501c3 non-profit organization primarily dedicated to providing affordable housing to families and individuals who work on and/or serve the community of Sanibel. The agency oversees 74 rental units in 11 complexes and 14 limited equity ownership homes throughout Sanibel Island. CHR residents work at your favorite stores and restaurants. They are bakers, cooks, servers, bank tellers, writers, artists, realtors, conservation workers, educators, secretaries, and others whom you interact with perhaps on a daily basis.
F.I.S.H of Sanibel
Friends in Service Here of Sanibel-Captiva, Inc. (F.I.S.H.) is a human services organization, focused for over 30 years on "neighbors helping neighbors." The mission of F.I.S.H. is to lend a helping hand to those who live, work, or visit here. The F.I.S.H. vision is to enrich the lives of everyone on Sanibel and Captiva Islands through an array of food programs, island-based workshops, social services, and helping hands for seniors, families and youth.
The F.I.S.H. Walk-In Center is a designated United Way House that offers enhanced services to our clients. Several United Way agencies in Lee County work with F.I.S.H. to develop more effective, cost-efficient social service programs. The F.I.S.H. Walk-In Center also houses our Food Pantry in partnership with Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida. In 2014, F.I.S.H. impacted the lives of 1,317 households representing 1,737 individuals.
“CFI is a dedicated partner that helps us provide assistance beyond what the resources of F.I.S.H. can provide alone. Our partnership is a vital link between F.I.S.H. and those we serve.”
Sanibel City Scholarships
Sanibel City Scholarships show appreciation to city employees (police, fire, rescue and more) by offering continuing education to their children. In 2013, six applicants received $1,000 each to help pay tuitions.
Many of these people work multiple jobs to help cover costs, and each student produces above average grades and participates in community service activities. These grants give recognition to our islands' city service employees and also provide added advantages that we can offer these valuable people, resulting in higher quality stewards and guardians of our lifestyle.
Sanibel Swims
In October of 2012, the City of Sanibel received a grant of $16,060 from Charitable Foundation of the Islands and the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida for the creation of the “Sanibel Swims” program. The goal of this program is to increase water safety education in the community by providing free swimming lessons, water safety education, and CPR courses.
Since its inception, more than 350 participants — from 6 months to 85 years of age — have benefited from this grant-funded program. With Florida having the highest early childhood drowning rate in the United States, the “Sanibel Swims” program aims to take action through education in our community.
For information on Sanibel Swims, call 239.472.0345.
In addition, CFI has made grants to the following organizations: Bailey-Mathews National Shell Museum, BIG Arts, Children's Education Center of the Islands, J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Sanibel Community House, Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, Sanibel Public Library Foundation, Sanibel Sea School and the Sanibel School Foundation.