CFI Awards Capacity Grants for 2017

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands’ Board of Directors with 2017 Sanctuary Golf Challenge representatives, standing, from left, Melissa Congress, Tony Lapi, Michael Kelly, Paul Roth, Brett Kist (Sanctuary Director of Golf), Al Hanser, Jackie Bingham (Sanctuary Tournament Committee Chair), Tim O’Neill, Ralph Clark, Virginia Stringer, and seated, from left, Mary Ellen Pfeifer, Cindy Brown, Chip Roach, Steve Brown and Chris Heidrick. CFI photo

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands has announced the recipients of its 2017 Capacity Grants initiative. The grant monies, totaling $44,800, were awarded to 10 non-profit organizations on Sanibel and Captiva to ensure their sustainability by assisting them in expanding their fund-raising and strategic planning.

Funds for website upgrades went to the Captiva Historical Society, the Sanibel Historical Village and Museum, and Community Housing and Resources.

Funds designated for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation will enable it to expand its website by adding an interactive map for its numerous Preserves.

The grants to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife support further development of their boards’ fund-raising skills, as well as the training of CROW staff on their own fundraising software.

Assistance for staff training was provided to BIG ARTS, the Sanibel Sea School and the ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The Captiva Community Panel’s grant will assist it in engaging a planning expert to review and strengthen the Captiva Plan’s language.

The Capacity Grants committee, headed by Virginia Stringer, includes Cindy Brown, Steve Greenstein, Chris Heidrick, Mike Kelly and Chip Roach. The committee reviewed 15 applications according to a rubric developed by an outside consultant.

“We were pleased to see so many non-profit organizations on Sanibel and Captiva requesting grants in this second year of our innovative Capacity Grant initiative,” Stringer said. “As familiarity with our purpose grows, organizations can better target their capacity-building needs and their measurable results. The initiative also strengthens the connection and commitment between the CFI Board, the Grants Committee and these amazing non-profits that benefit the citizens and the environment of the islands that we love.”

CFI’s Capacity Grant Award is a unique undertaking designed to help Sanibel and Captiva nonprofits increase their organizational capacity and, thus, their sustainability. The grants enable organizations to hire consultants, implement new technology or improve existing technology, and equip their boards and staff with skills that further the organizations’ missions.

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands’ partnership with the Sanctuary Community Golf Challenge and its many generous sponsors helps it to provide continuing financial support to worthy causes exclusively on Sanibel and Captiva. CFI’s primary concerns are basic human needs, arts, education, the environment and unforeseen emergencies.

CFI’s mission is to promote philanthropy to help Sanibel and Captiva residents in need, and to strengthen the islands’ non-profit organizations to build a spirit of community for generations to come. CFI accomplishes its goals through the distribution of annually raised funds and stewardship of reserves maintained for emergencies.

For more information on Capacity Grant giving through the Charitable Foundation of the Islands, visit CFI’s website athttp://www.charitablefoundationoftheislands.org