Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones! We couldn't fulfill our mission of inspiring philanthropy, leadership and collaboration without you! Thank you for your partnership and support.

SanCap Recovery Fund Announces Distributions & $125k Match Challenge

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is pleased to announce the first distributions from the Sanibel-Captiva Recovery Fund in the wake of Hurricane Milton. A generous $20,000 donation from the Shady Rest Foundation has enabled CFI to grant $10,000 each to FISH of SanCap for mental health services and to CHR for equipment replacement.

Additionally, the CFI Grants Committee has awarded $25,000 grants to both FISH and CHR for positive aging projects, funded through the Shady Rest Foundation Fund.

Looking ahead, remaining Recovery Fund donations will be dedicated to supporting small businesses, with an initial goal of distributing $250,000. To advance this effort, an anonymous donor has pledged a $125,000 1:1 matching challenge, with a deadline of December 31. CFI has already raised $78,000 toward the match and invites the community to contribute. Those interested in supporting this vital initiative can contact Dolly Farrell, Executive Director, visit Sanibel Captiva Recovery Fund or mail checks to PO Box 1429, Sanibel, FL 33957. 

CFI extends its gratitude to key community partners. FISH of SanCap will serve as the administrator for the assistance program, leveraging its expertise to support local businesses. Additionally, Alex Bustamante from the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce is available to guide businesses through the CFI application process and other regional, state, and national funding opportunities.

CFI Partners with FISH of SanCap and SanCap Chamber to launch small business support program

Support for small businesses is now being offered thanks to CFI Donors. The Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce’s Alex Bustamante will help coordinate coordinate efforts including other state and regional grants available to businesses.

FISH of SanCap will be lending its expertise by serving  as the administrator on the program. FISH of SanCap is well suited for this role, as they also have knowledge and expertise in areas of support for employees of these businesses.

CFI Launches a $125,000 match through December 31st 

A generous and anonymous donor is challenging the community to match their $125,000 match now through December 31st to help support local businesses recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. As of November 10th, $78,000 has been raised towards the match. 

Registration for Community Groups now open for Volunteer Expo January 16th 

Eric and Mary Ellen Pfeifer (left) with CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell (right) at the 2023 Expo. Pfeifer Realty is the presenting sponsor for the 2025 Expo.

 Attention all clubs, nonprofits, and community groups from Sanibel and Captiva!

Registration is officially open for your participation in the Volunteer Expo on January 16, 2025, presented by the Charitable Foundation of the Islands and supported by the Pfeifer Realty Group.

This is a prime opportunity to showcase your mission, spotlight your programs, and create meaningful connections within our community.

“It is an honor to be the presenting sponsor of such an event,” said Eric Pfeifer, CFI Board member and Founder and CEO of Pfeifer Realty. “I recall when Mary Ellen and I moved to Sanibel in 2001 there were few recreation sports programs for kids besides Little League. I got together with some other parents, and we created more options including Sanibel's first NFL Youth Flag Football program. Now it's time to engage our new residents and those that haven’t had the time to get involved before. With many of our residents still displaced or not back yet full-time, those of us here need to step up and get more deeply engaged.”

CFI chips in to make 'Love Sanibel Back' Flourish

Saint Michael and All Angels Church "Love Sanibel Back" initiative is a heartfelt program aimed at encouraging support for businesses that have shown unwavering loyalty to the Sanibel community. Residents were invited to join the movement this summer and demonstrate their love for Sanibel by patronizing local businesses with 11 gatherings which began in June and ended on November 3rd with the community-wide celebration drawing close to 900 people held at the Sanibel Community House. 

The community's participation was critical in this initiative, and it fostered a sense of unity and support for the establishments that contribute to the island's unique charm. The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) lent their support for this community initiative by way of social media and marketing. After the first event, CFI executive director approached the church and asked if CFI’s social media manager Diana Taylor could help.

St. Michael’s Communications Director Sue Van Oss shared, “We are so grateful for CFI engaging in the ‘Love Sanibel Back’ campaign especially providing the social media support.  We had no idea how the program would take off as it did as it was our first time.  Having Diana Taylor on board to help on a weekly basis with taking pictures, taking videos, preparing press releases was really invaluable and helped make Love Sanibel Back a success”.

Love Notes to Sanibel Video: You can view the video St. Michael’s compiled here: Love Notes to Sanibel

Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*

You are being sent this email because you are a subscriber.
If you wish to update your Email Preferences or Unsubscribe, click *{{Unsubscribe}}*