THE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF THE ISLANDS INCUBATES COMMUNITY PROGRAM

Dec. 2, 2021—Sanibel, FL – As a result of an extensive strategic planning process, the board of directors of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) realigned its direction and established a vision and mission that reflects community need and avoids duplication of philanthropic dollars and programs.  The CFI 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.  

Begun initial as the Francis Bailey Society, the formal Foundation entity was established in 2011 under the leadership of Al Hanser, Founder and Chairman of The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company. Today, through research and analysis, the Foundation is identifying those areas of greatest unmet need and harnessing the strength of our nonprofits with the capacity of our philanthropic partners to create real solutions.   The three key projects are Leadership Sanibel-Captiva, various initiatives surrounding elder loneliness and caregiver support and the CFI Nonprofit Education Program.  

The first program, Leadership Sanibel-Captiva will launch January 11, 2022.  The program objectives are to encourage the next generation of service leaders to continue to protect and grow the extraordinary community spirit and smart leadership that strives to protect and grow the quality of life on our islands for all.   Ralph Clark, Chairman of the 2022 Leadership program, commented, “One of the greatest gifts the Foundation can give is to foster the next generation of committed volunteer leaders who will love and care for our community as many before have done.”

The CFI Nonprofit Education initiative will be a summer program devoted to nonprofits to provide information and expertise on efficient and effective best practices organizational management.    

Finally, the elder care and caregiver initiative groundwork is just being laid to collaborate with island nonprofits and the faith community to identify and solve the unmet needs of seniors in our community. 

“The process of arriving at our core mission and scope of services was a result of listening to the voices of our community in advising us as to the areas of need.  We are excited to work with our philanthropic partners to help realize all three of these important initiatives, “said Chip Roach, Co-chair of CFI.   “Working hand-in-hand with the nonprofits in our community to help better understand their needs has been invaluable,” said Ginny Stringer, Co-Chair of CFI.

For more information email info@mycfi.org, or visit the Foundation website at www.mycfi.org

Ralph Clark

Ginny Stringer

Chip Roach