Community Impact Fund

A pooled charitable fund designed to provide long-term, sustainable funding for the community's greatest challenges and future needs.

Focus Areas:

• Nonprofit innovation and capacity building
• Community resiliency
• Positive aging
• Emerging needs and emergency relief efforts

Geographic Scope: Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida

Background: Inspired by founder Francis Bailey's Good Neighbor Fund established 25 years ago. In its inaugural year, 11 founding donors contributed $218,000. Spring 2026 awards totaled $126,000 supporting ten initiatives.

Funding Details:

• $50,000 designated for evergreen Disaster Reserve (goal to grow to $250,000 by hurricane season)
• Approximately $42,000 remains available for grantmaking in 2026
• Award example: $126,000 distributed across 10 initiatives in spring 2026

Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations addressing unmet needs or projects aligned with fund priorities (community resiliency, positive aging, nonprofit capacity building)

Contact Information:

• Executive Director: Dolly Farrell
• Email: dfarrell@sancapcfi.org
• Phone: (239) 322-3818 / (239) 703-3226
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1429, Sanibel, FL 33957
• Website: MyCFI.org

Application Process

1. Submit an Inquiry: Complete the CFI Community Impact Fund Form to propose ideas addressing unmet needs or projects aligned with fund priorities
2. Review Process: CFI evaluates proposals based on alignment with fund priorities and community needs
3. Award Notification: Selected applicants are notified of funding decisions

Application Link: CFI Community Impact Fund Form (available on website)

Required Information:

• Description of proposed initiative or project
• How the project addresses unmet community needs
• Alignment with fund priorities (community resiliency, positive aging, nonprofit capacity building)
• Budget and funding amount requested