CFI Announces January Event Partnerships

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

On Thursday, Jan. 15, Community Foundation of the Islands (CFI) partners with the SanCap Chamber as Lighthouse sponsor of its third annual breakfast presentation on the State of the Islands 2026 (SOTI), from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers.

CFI will offer short remarks at the presentation highlighting efforts to promote resiliency, leadership, and civic engagement, including the introduction of the Leadership Sanibel-Captiva’s class of 2026. Guests also can visit at CFI’s table and receive more information on how to get involved with the community, pick up a copy of the second edition of the Volunteer Directory, and register for Volunteer Expo on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 3:30 to 6 p.m. at The Community House on Sanibel Island, powered by Pfeiffer Realty.

SOTI also will feature updates and insights on recent progress from representatives of other nonprofits, the real estate sector, the city of Sanibel, Lee County, and other key areas of the community. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m.; the program starts at 8.

“State of the Islands brings the business community up-to-date on the many facets of island commerce, based on survey results and other data,” said John Lai, SanCap Chamber president and chief executive officer. “This important presentation takes place in lieu of the January business luncheon. It will inform members about changes in post-hurricane status compared to last year at this time.”

SanCap Chamber members and non-members can attend State of the Islands. Cost for admission is $70. Advanced registration is required; walk-ins are not accepted. Register by 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, at sanibel-captiva.org or by contacting Aaron Walton at aaron@sanibel-captiva.org or 239-472-8759. Payment is due at time of registration. Cancellations must be received 24 hours prior to the event to be eligible for refund.

Admission to Volunteer Expo on Jan. 28 is free and open to the public. It starts at 3:30 p.m. with complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments, a cash bar, food, and nonprofit tabling featuring over 50 local organizations. The first 250 attendees will receive a swag bag filled with island organization giveaways. A grants and awards presentation takes place 5 to 5:30 p.m., when CFI will award $8,000 in mini-grants to participating nonprofit organizations.

“This event is about connection—connecting people to purpose and nonprofits to the volunteers and resources they need,” said Savannah Kelly, CFI Director of Community Engagement. “The Volunteer Expo reflects the strong partnerships and shared commitment that keep Sanibel and Captiva connected and thriving.”

For Volunteer Expo details and registration, visit mycfi.org.

ABOUT SANCAP CHAMBER
The SanCap Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting the prosperity of its members and preserving the quality of life of our community. The Chamber plays a key role in facilitating communication and cooperation between business, residents, and government to enhance the economic health of the islands. Its website, sanibel-captiva.org, receives over 1.3 million visits per year. For more information about the chamber, visit sanibel-captiva.org or contact John Lai, president and CEO, at 239-472-2348 or John@sanibel-captiva.org.

ABOUT CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF THE ISLANDS
The mission of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) is to inspire philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration for the vitality of the Island community. CFI has served the Sanibel and Captiva communities since the 1990s through the Francis Bailey Society and was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2011.