Overview 

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) has launched a community impact fund to provide long-term, sustainable funding for our community’s greatest challenges and future needs. 

This pooled charitable fund will bridge funding gaps by investing in nonprofit innovation, capacity building, emerging needs, and emergency relief efforts. Managed by CFI, it invites contributions from donors who believe in the power of collective impact and strategic grantmaking. 

The Good Neighbor Council 

Inspired by CFI’s founder, Francis Bailey, and his Good Neighbor Fund, this community impact fund will be named the Good Neighbor Council in honor of our founder.

francis Bailey’s family including daughter mead johnson (holding painting) created by sanibel artist rachel pierce (right).

It is designed to be flexible and responsive, empowering all community members to participate and have their voices heard. It provides a collaborative way to respond to challenges such as disaster recovery, economic hardships, and new opportunities both now and for generations to come. 

How It Works 

  • Open to all donors; council advisors contribute annually. Gifts of all sizes are welcome. 

  • Advisors provide input twice a year via an online form to help identify funding priorities. 

  • CFI’s Grants Committee reviews recommendations and invites proposals from organizations and entities. Annually, the budget for grants will be determined as well based on the size and health of the fund.  

  • Up to four advisors may participate in the grant selection process. 

  • Smaller seed grants can be recommended year-round. 

  • Funding will prioritize impact, sustainability, and innovation, with a focus on urgent and long-term community needs. 

Timeline for Launch 

  • The goal is to secure $150,000 by summer 2025 ($75,000 already secured as of February 15) to establish an annual fund for grantmaking.  

  • Annually, the CFI grants committee will recommend a budget for distribution based on current contributions, reserving $50,000 for emergencies.  

  • Within three years, the goal is to secure an additional $1M to establish a legacy fund for future generations.