Last Call To Register For Special Donor Stewardship Workshop

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands reminds local nonprofit leaders and nonprofit board members that space is filling fast for a special donor stewardship workshop with nationally recognized expert Lynne Wester, Founder and Principal of Donor Relations Group. The interactive session will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at the Sanibel Community House.

CFI extends special thanks to Jerry’s Foods for generously sponsoring lunch for all attendees, making it possible for participants to focus on learning and networking while enjoying a delicious meal. CFI also gives a heartfelt thank you to the Sanibel Community House for serving as the facilities sponsor, providing a welcoming venue for this important community gathering.

Lynne Wester is generously donating her time and expertise to support Sanibel and Captiva’s nonprofit community. Following Hurricane Ian, Webster was among the first to assist CFI with disaster fundraising and donor communication strategies. Her return highlights her ongoing commitment to empowering local organizations with tools to build lasting donor relationships.

In a post-emergency environment—where nonprofits rely on events and paddle raises, key donors may relocate, and staff turnover can threaten continuity—the real challenge begins after the gift is made.

This workshop focuses on consistent, strategic stewardship and enhancing the donor experience. Without strong systems for thanking and reporting back to donors, organizations risk losing their most valuable supporters and eroding trust in the sector.

Workshop participants will explore:
• How to build simple, sustainable stewardship habits even with limited staff
• What to report, when, and how — so donors feel and know the impact of their gift
• How thoughtful follow-up today can feed tomorrow’s donor pipeline
• Real-world examples of stewardship wins from across the nonprofit sector

“The resilience of Sanibel and Captiva’s nonprofit community continues to inspire me,” said Wester. “I’m honored to return and share tools that help organizations grow meaningful donor trust and sustainable stewardship.”

“We’re especially grateful to Jerry’s Foods for sponsoring lunch and to the Sanibel Community House for hosting us as the facilities sponsor,” said CFI Director of Engagement Savannah Kelly. “Their generosity helps create a welcoming environment for learning and collaboration, and it reflects the spirit that makes our community so strong.”

RSVP by Monday, Sept. 1, to secure your spot — space is limited.

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.