About the Islands We Love
On the west coast of Florida, fifty miles north of Naples, Sanibel and Captiva islands, are connected to the mainland by a three mile causeway. The islands are known for their low key, laid back vibe (there are no traffic lights to be found anywhere!). With 15 miles of pristine white beaches, the islands boast 25 miles of bike paths, 50 types of fish, 230 bird species, and over 250 kinds of shells.
Formed thousands of years ago, Sanibel Island and Captiva Islands have been continually shaped by centuries of currents and storm activity. In September of 2022, Hurricane Ian devastated much of both islands, and the community is now intensely focused on restoring them to their former pristine state, for future generations to enjoy.
Land conservation is a priority to the island residents. About two-thirds of the land on the islands have been set aside as "protected," never to be developed. Many of the nearly 7,000 full-time residents and vacationers regularly flock to breathtaking Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the beauty of which must be seen to be believed.
Not surprisingly, there are a number of nonprofit organizations that have sprung up over the years, dedicated to protecting the environment and its delicate ecosystem, caring for the residents and workers, promoting education, and preserving the islands’ rich history. It is these dedicated nonprofits that we exist to support.
Support, Leadership, Collaboration
For over eleven years, the Charitable Foundation of the Islands has dedicated resources to nonprofits across Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Our mission is to identify community needs and collaborative opportunities that empower organizations to affect real change; support those in need; and build and distribute resources that advance the vitality and health of the Sanibel-Captiva community.
Our mission is to identify community needs and collaborative opportunities that empower organizations to affect real change; support those in need; and build and distribute resources that advance the vitality and health of the Sanibel-Captiva community. To do so, we provide grants to organizations that positively impact the health, well being, and education of our communities.
Specifically, we help non-profits build stronger organizations through a variety of means that enable them to increase their capacity to serve — via staff development, strategic planning, marketing, social media, technology, and much more.
Each nonprofit plays a specific role in accelerating progress on the Islands. The areas of service our nonprofit partners focus on include:
Environmental/Nature
Civic and Historical
Human Needs
Education
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 to support the Island nonprofits that make a difference in our community. Whether they provide low-cost housing, food, elder care, environmental support, or community education, CFI is here to support their efforts.
“The Charitable Foundation of the Islands has embarked upon creating, with our nonprofit partners, meaningful programs with long-lasting quantitative results. With the participation and financial support of our community, we can make that happen.”
“Supporting and collaborating with our island nonprofits is more important now than ever before to ensure the environmental and community vitality of Sanibel and Captiva. ”
Chip Roach, Board Chair (left) and dolly farrell, executive director (right) work together with our nonprofit partners
Your donation helps to fund these efforts. There are many ways to give to CFI. Click here to learn more.