CECI Receives CFI Grant; Serves as ‘Seed Money’ for Future Development

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

The Children’s Education Center of the Islands is thrilled to announce a $20,000 grant from the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI). This funding serves as the official “seed money” to launch the school’s Developmental Capital Campaign, a visionary project dedicated to constructing a new, hurricane-resilient school building on its historic five-acre campus.

Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian, which resulted in the loss of the school’s primary facility, CECI has been operating with limited enrollment out of the restored Thompson Hall. This grant from CFI marks the first major step in the school’s “50 Years and Growing” initiative, aimed at expanding its capacity and ensuring that nature-based early childhood education remains a permanent fixture on Sanibel for the next 50 years.

CECI is incredibly grateful to CFI for believing in their vision and providing the spark for this campaign. This new building isn’t just about square footage; it’s about restoring our ability to serve every family on the island and creating a resilient space where our children can safely learn from the natural world around them.

About The Children’s Education Center of the Islands
Established in 1974 and celebrating over 50 years on the island, The Children’s Education Center is a nature-based preschool dedicated to nurturing young minds’ innate curiosity. Our beautiful 5-acre campus serves as a living classroom, where children ages 2-5 engage in hands-on exploration of Sanibel’s natural resources. As the island’s only non-profit preschool, CECI remains committed to providing a sanctuary for early learning and environmental stewardship.

About The Charitable Foundation of the Islands
The mission of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands is to inspire philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration for the vitality of the Sanibel and Captiva communities. CFI acts as a catalyst for positive change by identifying critical needs and connecting donors with high-impact non-profit initiatives. From disaster recovery and environmental conservation to health and education, CFI’s strategic grant-making strengthens the non-profit sector and ensures a vibrant, healthy future for all who live and work on the islands.