As our program draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve embarked upon together. These past few months have been nothing short of enlightening, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of this exceptional group. Our class has delved into the heart of Sanibel and Captiva, unearthing hidden gems and peeling back the many layers of our community. As someone who grew up on Sanibel island, I was able to gain a lot of knowledge and I think many will see the value in this program and how special it is!

The desire to restore Sanibel and Captiva islands to their former splendor remains strong some 18 months into recovery from devastating Hurricane Ian.

Realizing that a fresh perspective can inject energy and possibilities into the process, the Charitable Foundation of the Islands, led by CFI’s Economic Revitalization Committee, recently welcomed R.T. Rybak and his wife, Meagan, for two in-depth conversations with island leaders on Tuesday, Feb. 26, about what comes next. The visit is the culmination of several meetings that began last year arranged by Minneapolis and Sanibel resident and CFI Board member Susan “Sam” Boren King.

Island hospitality businesses have benefited from more than $1 million in grants in the past year from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Hospitality Cares Fund. SanCap Chamber CEO John Lai recently announced this milestone at the January 29th State of the Islands Breakfast.

Featured Topics

• Happy Valentine’s Day from the Charitable Foundation of the Islands!

• CFI Hosts First Donor Appreciation Reception

• Donor Appreciation Reception Slideshow and Photo Gallery

• CFI honors leadership donors with Francis Bailey Society membership

• Love Your Neighbors by Opening a Donor-Advised Fund with CFI

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Featured Topics

• CFI’s Leadership Class of 2024 Off to an Enthusiastic Start

• Charitable Foundation of the Islands Announces Changes to Leadership

• Kim Kouril Joins CFI - New Director of Operations

• CFI Grant Yields 10 Times its Value in Matter of Months

• CFI Year In Review

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The 2024 Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Program kicked off January 18 with an upbeat and informative session during which this year’s class members were welcomed and special guests Porter and Chauncey Goss offered insightful information about the islands.

This is the second class of its kind sponsored by the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI). The inaugural group participated in 2022, but Hurricane Ian caused a one-year hiatus.

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) doubled its full-time staff in January with the hiring of Kimberly Kouril as director of operations.

Kouril was hired after an extensive search and will work closely with Dolly Farrell, who joined CFI as its inaugural executive director in October 2022. The need for additional staff resulted from CFI’s increasing involvement with the islands’ economic revitalization since Hurricane Ian, ongoing work with island nonprofit organizations and resulting growing administrative needs.

For Immediate Release: January 14, 2024

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) will see several changes in 2024 as the Board’s Executive Committee transitions to a new slate of officers, including Chip Roach (Board Chair), Lisa Riordan (Board Vice Chair and Chair-Elect), John Morse (Secretary), and Doug Congress (Treasurer).

Would you like to support the economic revitalization of Sanibel and help restore our island economy?

The City of Sanibel's 50th Anniversary Program will help restore our island economy through events, lectures, and special celebrations from November 2024 through December 2025. Be a part of this special year of remembering our past, celebrating our present, and preparing for our future.

Sanibel, FL – January 1, 2024 –The Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Planning Committee is honored and excited to present the Class of 2024.

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) created the program to prepare and encourage the next generation of leaders and volunteers. The inaugural 2022 class was a resounding success, but Hurricane Ian caused a one-year delay for the second class. Nonetheless, the 2024 class features 13 stellar individuals committed to improving the quality of life in our community. Members of the inaugural class served on the planning committee and helped select the 2024 participants.

Topics:

• Greetings and Gratitude from CFI

• Holiday Wishes from SanCap Nonprofits

• Announcing business climate study for Sanibel and Captiva Islands

• CFI Invests in Nonprofit Partners’ Grant Research

• A Christmas Mouse

• Charitable Foundation of the Islands welcomes Chauncey Goss to board

• Happiness and Year-End Giving Strategies

• CFI is Hiring a Director of Operations

The Director of Operations will be the second full-time staff member for this growing and maturing organization, reporting directly to the Executive Director. He/she is responsible for organizing and overseeing the daily operations of CFI for future growth and long-term success. The Director of Operations plays a critical role in supporting the Executive Director and helping the CFI Board of Directors and respective committees run smoothly and efficiently.

It’s an age-old adage, ‘money doesn’t buy happiness, but it sure helps.’ That sentiment certainly has special meaning this year.

Many studies confirm that donating time and service to others leads to greater happiness. Individuals who spent their money on other people, or gave gifts to others, are often happier than those who spent money on themselves.

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Chauncey Goss to the Board beginning January 2024. Goss grew up on Sanibel, raised his sons there and lives there with his wife, Allison.

He is the managing partner of Goss Practical Solutions, a firm he founded that provides federal fiscal policy analysis and budget forecasting to its clients. Goss previously worked on Capitol Hill, serving as Deputy Staff Director and Director of Budget Review for the House Budget Committee. He also worked for the Executive Office of the President in the Office of Management and Budget's National Security Division, and as a contracted strategic planner for the Air Force, Navy and intelligence community. He received a B.A. from Rollins College and a master's degree in public policy from Georgetown University.

It’s no secret that the economic health of Sanibel and Captiva islands relies on the hotels and other vacation accommodations, the majority of which were devastated by Hurricane Ian. Helping this vital industry recover requires a mighty effort by those who care about these unique islands.

The SanCap Chamber of Commerce and Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) have worked more closely than ever over the past year to restore and revitalize the accommodation industry while also supporting businesses currently open and assisting those in the process of reopening.

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.

Sanibel is conducting a Housing Needs Survey from October 2 – November 2, 2023.

With the help of Bright Community Trust and FEMA Community Assistance Program, City of Sanibel is conducting a Housing Needs Survey from October 2 – November 2, 2023.

Inducted in 2023: Tony began his hospitality career in 1976 when he and his wife, Angie, moved from Rochester, NY to Sanibel Island.

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands in partnership with the Sanibel Captiva Rotary Scholarships Committee will be hosting a discussion with Crystal Maldonado, Scholarships Manager with the Collaboratory on Friday, October 27th, at 9:30 am immediately after the Rotary meeting. We will meet in the Founders Room at the Sanibel Community House.

[Sanibel, FL, October 24, 2023] The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Pfeifer to the Board. Eric and his family have been full-time Sanibel residents since 2001.