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

Charitable Foundation of the Islands Welcomes New Board Member John Morse

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of John Morse to the Board. John and his wife Kay have been year-round residents of Sanibel since January 2005. John graduated from Wichita State University in 1972 and received his J.D. degree from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1975.

As of January 1st, of this year, John fully retired as a corporate attorney, having spent ten years in private practice in Wichita, and the past 35 years as Senior Vice President and General Counsel (and a partner) of LodgeWorks Partners, L.P. (and its predecessors), a national hotel development and management company with corporate offices in Wichita. Upon his retirement, John was named Senior Vice President & General Counsel Emeritus. 

John is serving in his tenth year on the Board of Directors of F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva, Inc., having served two years as Board Chair. John is the current Board Chair of the F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva Foundation, Inc. He has also served two terms as President of the Kiwanis Club of Sanibel-Captiva Islands and continues to serve on its Board. John recently retired from the volunteer position of Secretary and General Counsel for USA Swimming, Inc., the national governing body for swimming and USOC member. 

He served as the Board Chair of the Wichita State University Foundation for two years and was a member of its Board of Directors for 28 years. John continues to serve on its National Advisory Council.

John and Kay are Life Members of SCCF and were sea turtle volunteers for 12 years. John served five years on the SCCF Board of Trustees, with one term as President and two separate terms as Vice President. He continues to serve on the Finance Committee. 

“John’s legal expertise along with his commitment to strengthen the Sanibel-Captiva community will be a welcome addition to the CFI board”, said, Virginia Stringer Co-chair of the CFI Board.

Chip Roach, Co-chair of the CFI Board added, “John’s passion for the Sanibel-Captiva community is evident in his support of critical organizations within the community. We are thrilled to welcome him to the CFI board.”

Charitable Foundation of the Islands Welcomes New Board Member Doug Congress

 The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Doug Congress to the Board. Doug has over 30 years of experience working as an executive officer and owner of several businesses. His extensive background includes business operations, finance, administration, and public accounting.  

He began his career with Deloitte & Touche, one of the top accounting firms in the country. He went on to build several businesses and currently owns and manages businesses in the finance, mortgage and retail sectors. He holds a bachelor’s in accounting from the University of Florida.

Additionally, Doug has served on the Sanibel School Foundation Board, President and Treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Sanibel, former Chairman of the Board of the Bonita Springs Chamber and former Vice-Mayor of the Sanibel Island City Council.

“We are delighted to have Doug join us as a new member of the CFI board. He has been an essential part of the Sanibel and Captiva community and his involvement will assist the board in meeting their long-term goals, said Virginia Stringer Co-chair of the CFI Board.

“Doug’s successful business acumen will help strengthen the mission and goals of CFI and move us into a viable position to serve the community we all care about”, said Chip Roach, Co-chair of the CFI Board.

Charitable Foundation of the Islands Welcomes New Board Member Tom Libonate

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Tom Libonate to the Board. Tom and his wife Merni are residents of Captiva. He has been a member of the Captiva Island Historical Society since 2015, and for the past four years has served as President of its Board of Directors.

Tom also serves as a Trustee for the Board of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, chairing the Communication and Marketing Committee. In March 2021 he was installed as a Board member of the Captiva Island Yacht Club. Prior to his retirement in 2010, Tom was Vice Chairman and Co-Founder of Ryan Partnership, headquartered in Wilton, Connecticut.

Since co-founding the company in 1984, Tom spearheaded the creation of one of the premiere marketing agencies in North America, specializing in promotional, direct and internet marketing; creative and website design; and retailer marketing

From two people in 1984 to just over 625 people in 2010, with 6 offices throughout the U.S. and Canada and with gross revenue more than $250 million, Ryan Partnership, until it’s acquisition in 2011 was the largest independently owned marketing agency in North America.

In addition to his Board work with the Captiva Island Historical Society, Tom has served as Chair of the Roselle Catholic High School Consultative Board (Roselle, NJ), served on the Educational and Faculty Affairs Committee of Monmouth University (West Long Branch, NJ) and the Westport Arts Center Board of Directors (Westport, CT).

“The CFI board is privileged to welcome Tom. He will play an integral role as we prioritize, plan and execute key initiatives in the coming year”, said Virginia Stringer Co-chair of the CFI Board.

“Tom has been an avid supporter of the Sanibel-Captiva community for years and we look forward to his participation on the board as CFI explores more opportunities to improve the lives of residents”, said Chip Roach, Co-chair of the CFI Board.

Charitable Foundation of the Islands Welcomes New Board Member Lisa Riordan

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Riordan to the Board. Riordan first visited Captiva more than 40 years ago and has been a Captiva resident since 2012. After vacationing on Captiva for several years, she and her husband David expanded their time there after retirement.

A New York native, Riordan spent many years in the communications industry before beginning her 25-year career in labor representation. She directed and managed the New York staff for a major labor union and negotiated and administered collective bargaining agreements with large public and private sector employers and municipalities.

Since her retirement in 2012, Riordan has devoted her time getting involved in the Captiva community. In 2015 she was invited to join the Captiva Memorial Library Board of Trustees and has served as the President for the last three years. In 2015 she was invited to join the Board of Governors of the Captiva Civic Association and served as the President for three years before currently serving as Treasurer. She was appointed to the Captiva Civic Association Foundation Board of Governors, the fund-raising vehicle of the Civic Association, in 2017 and continues to serve there as President.

Riordan has two adult daughters, and seven grandchildren, all of whom reside out of state. When she is not busy with her community activities, Lisa enjoys boating, travelling, reading and spending time with friends.

“Having someone who loves the Captiva community as much as Lisa does is critical to our success. We could not be more delighted to have her on the CFI Board”, said Virginia Stringer Co-chair of the CFI Board.

“The Captiva community is so fortunate to have talented and committed members like Lis Riordan. She will ensure that Captiva continues to pursue and develop the best resources and programs for its residents, said Chip Roach, Co-chair of the CFI Board.

Charitable Foundation of the Islands Welcomes New Board Members Susan Boren & Jeff Muddell

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Jeff Muddell and Susan S. Boren to the Board.

Susan Boren is a former Partner and member of Spencer Stuart's Board and CEO practices. Until she retired in 2015, Susan led the firm’s North American Board Effectiveness advisory services, providing governance expertise to clients whose boards were undergoing significant transition in size, composition and leadership. Today Susan consults with boards on these same issues through her own firm, Trillium Advisors LLC.

Before joining Spencer Stuart, Susan was president of her own consulting company, where she advised CEOs and boards of directors in the areas of leadership and governance. For 15 years, Susan was a senior executive with Target Corporation.

Susan co-founded the Dorobo Fund for Tanzania, a charitable foundation that supports education and leadership development in Africa. She is a director of Direct Impact Africa, an organization working with villages in Zambia on sustainable farming, education, and women’s empowerment. She also serves as a director of NatureBridge, an organization providing experiential environmental science education programs for students in the nation’s national parks.

Susan continues to be active in the Twin Cities community. She serves as the active lifetime director of Minnesota Public Radio. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Antioch College and an M.B.A. in finance from the University of Dayton.

“I have known Susan for many years. She is well-respected and valued for her expertise in leadership. She will be instrumental in building and supporting the mission of CFI”, said Virginia Stringer Co-chair of the CFI Board.

“Susan is a welcome addition to our board. With her vast knowledge in leadership and governance she will be key in helping CFI to develop new and exciting programs supporting the islands, said Chip Roach, Co-chair of the CFI Board.

Jeff Muddell and his family have been Sanibel residents since 2017. He joined the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company in 2019 as senior vice president and wealth services advisor after twelve years in nonprofit management and philanthropy, primarily in the health care sector. Most recently he served as System Director of Gift Planning for the Lee Health Foundation in Fort Myers, FL where he led strategic planning and management of the organization's fundraising initiatives.

Jeff holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Florida’s Warrington School of Business and is in the process of earning his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Miami and began his professional career in broadcasting and journalism. Jeff and his wife Stephanie have three children - Caroline, Charles and Grant - all students at The Sanibel School.

“We are thrilled to have Jeff as a new member of the CFI board. His experience and longstanding work in the nonprofit sector make him an invaluable part of the team”, said Virginia Stringer Co-chair of the CFI Board.

“Jeff’s financial knowledge and involvement with the Sanibel Captiva Trust will help guide the mission and goals of CFI and move us into a viable position to serve the community we all care about”, said Chip Roach, Co-chair of the CFI Board.

CFI HAS INVESTED IN NEEDS ASSESSMENT TARGETING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF OUR UNDERSERVED 55+ ISLAND POPULATION.

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

Foundation Donates to School Fund

Al Hanser, chair of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI), presented a $5,000 check to Chuck Vilardi, principal of The Sanibel School and Christian Fautz, president of the Sanibel School Fund board for the check presentation.  

"The Charitable Foundation of the Islands supports The Sanibel School and recognizes the importance of helping children," said Hanser.

Money raised by the Sanibel School Fund and PTA provides many resources and enhancements that the shortfalls in the Lee County School System budget cannot, including educational software, classroom computers, the foreign language program, steel drums, a music keyboard lab, supplies for classrooms, and much more. Parent and community support for these programs have helped The Sanibel School earn the Blue Ribbon designation, as well as an "A" rating for the past 15 years.

Pictured from left: Steve Greenstein, Al Hanser and Chuck Vilardi: second row, Christian Fautz, Bargara Maughan,: back row, Rob Lisenbee and Carolyn Tongyai

CFI Grant Brings Community House Computer Technology into the 21st Century

A special Capacity Grant to the Sanibel Community Association, given last year by the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI), has brought the Community House’s technological capabilities into the 21st Century, according to SCA Director Teresa Riska-Hall.

The new computer technology, installed with the latest software applications needed to run the House’s activities, “has built our technology from the ground up,” Riska-Hall said. “We have never had so much computer facility. It’s a new day for the Community House.”

From Left: Nicole McHale, Jan Remmel and SCA Director Theresa Riska-Hall.

CFI’s grant, in the amount of $6000, enabled the Association to acquire two computer hard drives, two monitors and two laptops. “This equipment streamlines Association operations,” SCA board member Melissa Congress said.

Congress, who also serves on the CFI Board, but not on its Capacity Grants committee, is delighted with the outcome. “This new technology benefits Community Association staff members, as well as all Island groups that locate their events in the Community House. It is a win-win for the Island!”

Both laptops and one hard drive and monitor are new installations for the House’s technology system. “Only the hard drive and monitor in my office are a replacement of old equipment,” Riska-Hall said. “With this additional hardware and software, we can convert our old file system to digital. No more searching for paper files and documents. It saves tremendous time and is very efficient,” she said, adding, with a smile, “We carry around thumb drives now, instead of paper files.”

One unforeseen benefit of the new acquisitions is an enhanced ability to control event-scheduling digitally. “We can run a whole week of events on our monitors, and the calendar is easy to see and operate,” Riska-Hall said.

The technology didn’t arrive without its share of hiccups. “Some of the software we originally looked at were less compatible for us than anticipated,” Riska-Hall said. “Luckily we found a specialist who researched the choices and found the perfect products for us. We now have exactly what we need.”

The next challenge for the Association is to train the staff and volunteers on the new software. “Because all hands were on deck when we reopened the House for business, we had to delay our training sessions, which takes about two weeks,” Riska-Hall said. “But once this last task is completed, there is no stopping us!”

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 and education, the environment and unforeseen emergencies. Its mission is to promote philanthropy to help people in need on Sanibel and Captiva, and to strengthen non-profit organizations in order to build a spirit of community for generations to come.

CFI Grant to Children's Center Is Value-Added for Teachers

A special Capacity Grant to the Children’s Education Center of the Islands, given last year by the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI), has had a signal impact on the work of the Center, according to Center Director Cindy DeCosta.

“Children come to CECI at many different stages in their development. Some have learning disabilities or special needs,” DeCosta said. “This grant has given our teachers wonderful state-of-the-art training opportunities that help us better understand early childhood learning, regardless of individual challenges.”

CFI’s grant, in the amount of $2935, is intended to advance professional development at the Center. “Helping the teachers helps the children,” said CFI Board Member Ginny Stringer. “The more training the teachers receive, the greater the benefit to the students. We are delighted at the dedication of Cindy and her staff. They are doing wonderful things at the Children’s Education Center.”

CFI’s grant funded, for all five members of the CECI staff, in-house training led by the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida. The workshop featured such items as classroom design strategies for optimal learning and methods for teaching math in early childhood.

“Visuals are essential for young children,” DeCosta said. “Thanks to this training, our classrooms have been changed to reflect natural environments, and our color scheme is more neutral—it makes for a calming atmosphere.”

The grant has also helped CECI teacher Bryanna McNamee, age 22, advance her education. “This funding has been crucial to my career,” she said. “Without such scholarships, I would be unable to attend college.”

McNamee is currently in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree at Florida Gulf Coast University in Early Childhood Education. In her classes, she said, “I am learning about early-childhood learning preferences, as well as modes of teaching that view the teacher as a facilitator for the child’s own learning. It is arts-based project learning.”

In future, DeCosta would like to see CECI offer more arts instruction, “and to get the children more up close and personal with the natural world. Children can never have enough music or art in their lives,” she said, “and helping them forge a permanent connection to nature is essential. We are taking baby steps toward those goals.”

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) provides continuing financial support to worthy causes exclusively on Sanibel and Captiva. Its primary concerns are basic human needs, arts and education, the environment and unforeseen emergencies. Its mission is to promote philanthropy to help people in need on Sanibel and Captiva, and to strengthen non-profit organizations in order to build a spirit of community for generations to come.

For more information on Capacity Grant giving through the Charitable Foundation of the Islands, visit CFI’s website at http://www.charitablefoundationoftheislands.org. For information on the Children’s Education Center of the Islands, 350 Casa Ybel Road, call 239-472-4538, or visit http://www.childrenseducationcenter.com.