CFI awards 2018 Capacity, Collaboration Grants to several groups
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands recently announced the recipients of its 2018 Capacity Grant and Collaboration Grant initiatives.
The grant monies, in the amount of $5,000 per organization for a total of $50,000, were awarded to 10 non-profit organizations on Sanibel and Captiva. The grants help to assure the continuity of worthy charitable enterprises by assisting them with technological renewal, fund-raising and strategic planning.
The Capacity Grants are designed to help non-profits increase their organizational capacity and, thus, their sustainability. They 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.
This year’s recipients include the Captiva Community Panel, Children’s Education Center of the Islands, J. N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Captiva Island Historical Society, Captiva Civic Association, Community Housing and Resources, BIG ARTS Sanibel Island, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and Sanibel Community Association.
A new initiative, the Collaboration Grants support the work of non-profits to share tools and enhancements, thereby multiplying the impact of the grant. Two such grants were awarded.
The first went to the Sanibel/Captiva Interfaith Community’s Shared Scholars Committee to foster greater cooperation among the sister islands’ religious organizations and local social service providers. The beneficiary religious institutions include Bat Yam Temple of the Islands, Chapel By The Sea, First Church of Christ, Scientist, Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ, Sanibel Community Church and St Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church.
SCCF was awarded the second grant. It supports a DonorPerfect training program that will enhance SCCF’s ability to organize and access its donor base for more targeted opportunities, as well as share the training with fellow non-profits. It will reach as many as 11 individual trainees from a variety of non-profit organizations.
The Capacity Grants committee, headed by Virginia Stringer, includes Cindy Brown, Brenda Harrity, Chris Heidrick, Mike Kelly, Jim Pouliot, Nathalie Pyle and Chip Roach.
“We are pleased to help so many island non-profits in this third year of our Capacity Grant initiative and the initial year of our Collaboration Grants,” Stringer said. “As familiarity with our purpose grows, organizations can better target their capacity-building needs and better measure their results. We are especially pleased with the far-reaching impact that the two Collaboration Grants will have. Both initiatives strengthen 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.”
The foundation’s partnership with the 2018 Sanctuary Charity Classic and its sponsors has helped it to provide the funds for the grants. The Sanctuary Charity Classic has collaborated with CFI to assist neighbors in need for more than 15 years. Since its inception, the event has raised over $1.5 million.
For more information, visit www.charitablefoundationoftheislands.org.