CFI Announces $100,000 Matching Grant Opportunity for the Nonprofit Employee Assistance Program

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, the Charitable Foundation of the Islands announced a program that will serve to support Sanibel and Captiva nonprofits and their employees. The Sanibel-Captiva Recovery Fund will match up to $100,000 in donations from the community towards the funding.

After Hurricane Ian made landfall, CFI began leading biweekly Zoom meetings with the executive directors of its nonprofit partners. It was in these meetings that CFI became aware of this critical need. 

“Many of our dedicated nonprofit’s employees went right to work to help their organizations respond to community needs and put those needs ahead of their own families,” said Dolly Farrell, CFI’s newly appointed Executive Director. “This despite being displaced from their homes, losing their vehicles, possessions, clothing, and furniture. Our hope is that these funds help to put roofs over their heads and food on the table.” 

This is a reactivation of CFI’s community emergency fund. This fund was created by CFI in the early 2000s after Hurricane Charley when $85,000 was distributed within 48 hours. The COVID-19 pandemic was the second time the fund was deployed.  In the wake of Hurricane Ian, CFI has activated the fund yet again renaming it the SanCap Recovery Fund.

F.I.S.H. of SanCap is a United Way partner that provides social services, a food pantry, and education to those who live or work on the Sanibel or Captiva. F.I.S.H. will distribute the assistance. 

“CFI is uniquely situated to provide structure and relief during the recovery efforts – quickly, efficiently and with no administrative cost.  F.I.S.H. is the expert in overseeing this type of individual assistance program on our islands. It’s an ideal alliance,” said Chip Roach, CFI Board Chair. “The CFI Board of Directors voted unanimously to select F.I.S.H. to administer this program and distribute payments to those in need.” 

 If you wish to donate to the Nonprofit Employee Assistance Program 1:1 match, visit www.givebutter.com/MyCFI.