Community Conversation Outlines the Powerful Benefits of Donor-Advised Funds in Planning your Philanthropy

Sanibel, FL — [February 19, 2025] — The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company and the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) hosted a Community Conversation on February 11, 2025, in honor of Sanibel’s 50th Anniversary, celebrating the island’s history of philanthropy. CFI is also celebrating a milestone this year as its parent organization the Good Neighbor Fund was formalized in 2000 by Islanders led by Francis Bailey.  

Attendees engaged in discussions on giving strategies, nonprofit sustainability, and the evolving role of charitable foundations. The event highlighted charitable giving accounts, and specifically donor-advised funds (DAFs), a key tool for impactful giving. DAFs are one of the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicles because they offer an easy, efficient way to support nonprofits.  CFI has offered DAFs and other charitable giving accounts since its incorporation in 2011, currently managing nearly $8M in DAFs from 12 community members.  

Sanibel President Jeff Muddell led the discussion, emphasizing how DAFs help donors maximize their impact while maintaining giving flexibility and oftentimes avoid capital gains during triggering events such as a sale of a home, business or appreciated stock. “Sanibel and Captiva’s legacy of generosity has shaped our community for decades,” said Muddell. “Through Donor-Advised Funds and strategic philanthropy, we can continue that tradition, ensuring nonprofits receive the support they need to thrive.” 

DAFs are unique charitable giving accounts because they allow individuals, families, or organizations to donate money and receive an immediate tax deduction, then recommend grants to nonprofits gradually. The donated assets can be invested and potentially grow tax-free over time. The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company currently monitors all CFI investments. Another benefit to DAFs is currently there is no required minimum to donate annually unlike private foundations. One benefit is that the Charitable Foundation of the Islands assumes the administrative tasks for you including the distribution of grants, collection of impact reports and filing the necessary paperwork with the IRS.  Anonymity can be honored as well if you choose. 

During the event, CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell announced that the minimum to open a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) will be lowered to $10,000 for 2025 in honor of the 25th anniversary of the formalization of the Good Neighbor Fund. Previously, the minimum was $25,000. Additionally, CFI introduced a new community impact fund that operates similarly to a DAF and allows individuals to pool their donations and collectively award grants twice a year.  

 For more information, visit www.MyCFI.org or email CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell at (239) 703-3226.  

About Charitable Foundation of the Islands: (MyCFI.org) The mission of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is to inspire philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration for the vitality of the Island community. CFI has served the Sanibel and Captiva communities since the 1990s through the Francis Bailey Society and was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2011.