Charitable Foundation of the Islands Supports Those in Need

Article by Brian Johnson.

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) continues to provide generous assistance to individuals and non-profit organizations on Sanibel and Captiva. "We are here to help those in need," said Al Hanser, the Chairman and CEO of the Sanibel Trust Company and Chair of CFI. 

CFI Chair Al Hanser with Board Members Paul Roth, Melissa Congress, Cindy Brown and Secretary Ralph Clark.

As a result of their exhaustive survey of non-profits on the islands, they have developed a 2016-17 Capacity Grant Program that will help these non-profits function with optimal performance over a long-term time horizon. 

"It's coming together," said Hanser. "For the coming year we are awarding 5 grants of up to $6,000 to increase the capacity of island organizations."

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands donates to organizations such as FISH, Big Arts, and CHR. Deserving individuals on the islands have received aid for needs such as repairing a broken car to major medical surgery. FISH plays a key role in the difficult task of vetting applicants.

"CFI is a dedicated partner that helps FISH of SanCap provide assistance beyond the resources that FISH can provide alone," said FISH President Maggi Feiner. "Our partnership is a vital link between FISH and those we serve. During the 2015-16 grant cycle, FISH in partnership with CFI was able to assist 36 individuals through a time of hardship. We cannot thank CFI enough for their support." 

"The goal of Community Housing and Resources is to enable families and individuals working in our community to live here," said CHR President Richard Johnson. "This takes a concerted effort and is made possible through partnerships such as the one CHR enjoys with the Charitable Foundation of the Islands. For years now, CFI has provided much needed funding to help us put the 'Resources' in CHR. They have also helped us maintain our most valuable program assets; our properties. In our community, renters and first time home buyers have a hard time finding an affordable place to live. With the help of CFI, CHR is home to 88 families consisting of 165 adults and 55 children. Thank you Charitable Foundation of the Islands for your confidence and support."

The Sanctuary Community Golf Challenge, hosted each of the past 16 years at The Sanctuary Golf Club, has been the primary fundraiser for the Foundation. The event typically exceeds $100,000 in donations.

The board meets six times per year. Hanser is joined by Vice Chair Chip Roach, Treasurer Tim O'Neill, Secretary Ralph Clark, and Directors Cindy Brown, Steve Brown, Melissa Congress, Steve Greenstein, Chris Heidrick, Mike Kelly, Jennie Kendall, Tony Lapi, Paul Roth, and Virginia Stringer. 

To make a donation or find out how to contribute to CFI, please contact Al Hanser at the Trust Company at (239) 472-8300. The Trust Company is located at 2460 Pine Ridge Rd., Sanibel, FL 33957.

Published in the 2016 issue of Island Scene.