It’s no secret that the economic health of Sanibel and Captiva islands relies on the hotels and other vacation accommodations, the majority of which were devastated by Hurricane Ian. Helping this vital industry recover requires a mighty effort by those who care about these unique islands.

The SanCap Chamber of Commerce and Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) have worked more closely than ever over the past year to restore and revitalize the accommodation industry while also supporting businesses currently open and assisting those in the process of reopening.

Competition for grant money has never been fiercer, which means nonprofits have to be in top form to successfully attract them. That’s difficult for smaller organizations, a problem Sanibel and Captiva groups brought to the attention of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI).

 CFI’s Grants Committee determined that assisting these organizations in improving their grant research and writing would be a smart investment as they navigate post-hurricane recovery and rebuild.

Sanibel is conducting a Housing Needs Survey from October 2 – November 2, 2023.

With the help of Bright Community Trust and FEMA Community Assistance Program, City of Sanibel is conducting a Housing Needs Survey from October 2 – November 2, 2023.

Inducted in 2023: Tony began his hospitality career in 1976 when he and his wife, Angie, moved from Rochester, NY to Sanibel Island.

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands in partnership with the Sanibel Captiva Rotary Scholarships Committee will be hosting a discussion with Crystal Maldonado, Scholarships Manager with the Collaboratory on Friday, October 27th, at 9:30 am immediately after the Rotary meeting. We will meet in the Founders Room at the Sanibel Community House.

[Sanibel, FL, October 24, 2023] The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Pfeifer to the Board. Eric and his family have been full-time Sanibel residents since 2001.

The Sanibel and Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce marked a major milestone in recovery efforts on Sanibel Island with a ribbon-cutting at Sanibel Island Beach Resort on Friday, Sep. 22, at 1231 Middle Gulf Drive.

Melissa Congress, Sanibel resident and Vice Chair of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI), will be recognized as a 2023 Distinguished Volunteer of the Year.

Sanibel School’s Seahorse Chorale has been invited to perform at New York City’s Carnegie Hall and a donor has offered a $25,000 matching grant to help them raise the money they need for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands invites our community to mark the first anniversary of Hurricane Ian (September 28) with stories of inspiration, hope and progress.

Topics:

• Bailey’s General Store and the Johnson Family Donate $25,000 to CFI

• One Year after Ian: Stories of Island Renewal

• Grant Spotlight – Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce

• FGCU Intern reflects on summer

  Internship with CFI

• Social Media Video Watch List

• Savor the Shore Campaign

• Join the fun: Community Reunited is Saturday, September, 30

• CHR executive director, Nicole Decker-McHale shares how POINT is helping their organization engage more volunteers

• Plan for SCCF Coastal Cleanup Event

A Summer of Service | By Brianna Levy, Estero, FL

We are pleased to offer this report of our shared accomplishments since Hurricane Ian made landfall on September 28, 2022.

Because of your trust, confidence and support, CFI:

• Distributed over $1 million in grants and relief assistance to Sanibel and Captiva organizations.

• Affirmed the importance of the Islands’ nonprofit sector and more.

“We are delighted to be a part of the recovery of our islands in this way,” said Matt Cook, Vice President of Community Relations at Lake Michigan Credit Union. “Some of our staff are residents or frequent visitors to Sanibel and Captiva and look forward to their own volunteer opportunities to help get the Islands back to what they once were.”

SANIBEL ISLAND, FLORIDA – April 12, 2023 – The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce will soon hire a member services manager, a critical position in helping the Chamber support businesses as they rebuild following the devastation of Hurricane Ian last September.