Lake Michigan Credit Union sponsors $8,000 in Community Grants at CFI's Volunteer Expo 2026 on January 28

/

From left: Aldina Babic, Director of Community Relations at Lake Michigan Credit Union; Karen Goetz, Senior Regional Community Relations Specialist at Lake Michigan Credit Union; Holly Visser, Senior Regional Community Relations Specialist at Lake Michigan Credit Union; and Savannah Kelly, Director of Community Engagement at the Charitable Foundation of the Islands.

SANIBEL, Fla. — The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) will host its annual Volunteer Expo on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. at The Community House, bringing together more than 50 local nonprofit organizations, community groups, and residents for an afternoon focused on service, connection, and community engagement. 

The Volunteer Expo is powered by Pfeifer Realty Group, whose continued support makes this community-wide event possible. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from nonprofits across Sanibel and Captiva, learn about volunteer opportunities, and explore ways to get involved in causes that strengthen and preserve the islands. The Sanibel Community Association joins this year as a venue sponsor. 

As part of the event, CFI will award $8,000 in community grants to participating nonprofit organizations, made possible through the generous support of Lake Michigan Credit Union, a returning Volunteer Expo sponsor. The grants will be presented during a grants and awards ceremony from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. and include a People’s Choice Award and Best Decorated Table Award. 

Lake Michigan Credit Union’s partnership with CFI reflects a longstanding commitment to strengthening island nonprofits. In 2022, following Hurricane Ian, Lake Michigan Credit Union awarded CFI a grant to provide POINT—a volunteer management software platform—to island nonprofits at no cost, helping organizations more effectively coordinate volunteers during recovery efforts and beyond. 

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

That commitment to community investment is shared by Lake Michigan Credit Union. “Local nonprofits are essential to the strength and character of a community,” said Karen Goetz, Senior Regional Community Relations Specialist at Lake Michigan Credit Union. “We’re proud to support the Volunteer Expo again this year and to help recognize the meaningful work nonprofits do every day for Sanibel and Captiva.” 

To be eligible for grant awards and to receive votes for the People’s Choice Award, nonprofit organizations must be registered to participate in the Volunteer Expo. Registration is required in order to vote and can be completed online at mycfi.org. 

 

Volunteer Expo at a Glance 

Date: January 28, 2026 
Time: 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. 
Location: The Community House 
Hosted by: Charitable Foundation of the Islands 
Powered by: Pfeifer Realty Group 
Grant Sponsor: Lake Michigan Credit Union 

 

Event Schedule 

  • 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. — Nonprofit tabling featuring more than 50 local organizations 

  • 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. — Grants and awards presentation 

 

Why Attend 

  • Meet motivated volunteers and future island leaders 

  • Learn about volunteer opportunities across Sanibel and Captiva 

  • Discover ways to preserve the sanctuary islands and strengthen local communities 

  • Connect with organizations making a meaningful impact 

 

Event Amenities 

  • Complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments and food beginning at 3:30 p.m. 

  • Cash bar available 

  • The first 250 attendees will receive a swag bag filled with giveaways from island organizations 

The Volunteer Expo is free and open to the public and is an ideal opportunity for new residents, seasonal neighbors, and anyone looking to become more engaged in the island nonprofit community. 

For event details, nonprofit registration, and attendee registration, visit mycfi.org. 

VOlunteer expo 2025