CFI Invests in Nonprofit Partners’ Grant Research

Competition for grant money has never been fiercer, which means nonprofits have to be in top form to successfully attract them. That’s difficult for smaller organizations, a problem Sanibel and Captiva groups brought to the attention of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI).

CFI’s Grants Committee determined that assisting these organizations in improving their grant research and writing would be a smart investment as they navigate post-hurricane recovery and rebuild.

The ability to navigate the many-faceted grant process is a vital skill. CFI answered the call by offering training opportunities designed to educate participants on finding and applying for the many outside funding sources that are available to them.

Kate Shaffer

 “There are many pools of funding available for innovative programs, but nonprofits have to be aware of them and understand the application process,” said Dolly Farrell, CFI’s executive director. “That's why education and training in grant research and grant writing are invaluable skills for the organizations we support.”  

CFI dedicated $48,000 from the Sanibel-Captiva Recovery Fund for this grants research initiative. All 17 organizations with which CFI collaborates are eligible.  The two opportunities are: 

• Opportunity 1: Soukup Solutions of Naples conducts a one-hour assessment with each nonprofit then provides three hours of research for an established project or need. It also offers a group training session. Six nonprofits are engaged with Soukup, with three more starting January 1.

• Opportunity 2: Dr. Beverly Browning, author of “Grant Writing for Dummies,” provides informative workshops that teach nonprofits how to do their own grant research. She encourages teams to attend to ensure cross-training and collaboration. She also offers a remote, self-paced course. Thirteen organizations participated with more than 30 staff members. 

Kate Shaffer of The Sanibel School Fund took the Soukup Solutions workshop.

 “We have had a very positive experience with Soukup,” she said. “Based on the coaching they've provided throughout the grant writing process, we are implementing changes that will make us more streamlined and competitive in the nonprofit world. Ultimately, we would love to be awarded grant funds to help us diversify our revenue sources and strengthen the organization. Beyond that, it will help us to accomplish the aggressive goals we have set this year.”

Londyn Wolff

Established in 1927, The Sanibel Community House was one of the first nonprofits on the island. Facility Coordinator Londyn Wolff was able to take advantage of Browning's workshop and received a grant for which the organization had previously been turned down.

"Thanks to Dr. Browning’s lecture series – that often felt like a one-on-one – I was able to write a paper that eventually got us the grant," Wolff said. "I am very thankful to her for the knowledge she passed on to me, as well as CFI for arranging the program. The grant partnership with CFI is wonderful for a modestly-sized nonprofit like ours. We often don't have the resources to get the training we need to help us reach our goals." 

According to Farrell, that’s one of the reasons CFI chose to act, believing it will more than pay for itself.

“This is an investment in our island community that will pay dividends for years to come,” she said. “Helping the nonprofits to navigate grant research and perfect their grant writing skills will open doors to additional funding sources. In turn, these new funding streams will free up CFI to invest in other important areas, such as the economic revitalization of the islands.”