provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) and 100+ Women Who Care Sanibel Captiva celebrated another impactful season of collective giving, community connection, and local philanthropy, raising more than $72,000 in 2026 to support nonprofits serving Sanibel and Captiva.
Powered by CFI, the women’s giving circle closed the 2026 season stronger than ever, growing to 198 members and continuing its mission of empowering women to make a direct and meaningful impact in the island community. More than $124,000 has been raised since the circle’s inception in 2025.
During the 2026 season, members awarded $22,000 grants to three nonprofit organizations serving the islands, including Trailways Camps, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF).
Additional runner-up funding was awarded throughout the season to several local organizations through the generosity of fellow members, including the Roots in Resilience, Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva, Sanibel Music Festival, Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, SanCap Pink Project, and Sanibel Community House.
To close out the season, members and supporters gathered for a special Happy Hour celebration hosted by Congress Jewelers. In addition to welcoming guests for an evening of connection and celebration, Congress Jewelers generously donated three silent auction items and contributed a percentage of event sales back to support CFI programs and initiatives.
“We are incredibly grateful to every member, donor, sponsor, and nonprofit partner who helped make this season such a success,” said Savannah Kelly, Director of Community Engagement at CFI. “100+ Women Who Care continues to demonstrate the power of collective giving and what can happen when women come together to support the organizations that strengthen our island community.”
Pam Browning, Wave Maker, said the continued growth of the giving circle reflects the generosity and commitment of women across the islands. “What makes 100+ Women Who Care so special is that every member has a direct voice in supporting the nonprofits and programs that strengthen our island community,” Browning said. “Together, we are making a real and lasting impact.”
Jane Majeski, Wave Maker and CFI Board Member, added that the group has become about much more than fundraising. “100+ Women Who Care is about connection, collaboration, and community,” said Majeski. “It has been incredible to watch this group grow and see so many women come together to support local nonprofits in such a meaningful and immediate way.”
CFI also extended special thanks to season sponsor Florida Trust Wealth Management, Congress Jewelers, Sanibel Captiva Islands Realtor Association and the volunteer “Wave Makers” committee members who help coordinate the program throughout the season.
100+ Women Who Care Sanibel Captiva is a women’s giving circle powered by CFI that brings together women committed to supporting nonprofits serving Sanibel and Captiva through collective philanthropy. Members contribute $100 at each meeting, hear directly from local nonprofits, and vote to award transformational grants to organizations making a difference in the community.
Stay tuned for the announcement of 2027 meeting dates and membership information at SanCap100.org.