CFI Invites Community to Learn from National Fundraising Expert Lynne Wester

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November 17 Workshop Offers Valuable Insights for Nonprofit Leaders, Board Members, Volunteers, Donors and Community Members

What does it take to build stronger nonprofits, inspire generosity and create meaningful connections within a community?

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) invites nonprofit professionals, board members, volunteers, donors and community members to explore these questions during an upcoming educational workshop featuring nationally recognized fundraising and donor relations expert Lynne Wester.

The workshop, The Future of Fundraising Is… What Matters, will take place Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m., and breakfast will be served. Registration is $50 per person.

Sponsored by Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, the event is part of CFI's ongoing commitment to strengthening local organizations through education, collaboration and leadership development.

While fundraising is central to the conversation, the workshop is designed for anyone who cares about the future of the organizations and causes that make Southwest Florida a special place to live.

For local nonprofit leaders, opportunities to learn from nationally recognized experts can provide new perspectives, practical strategies and renewed inspiration for their work.

Jamie Senkeleski Executive Director of Trailways Camps

"Working in the nonprofit sector, you're constantly balancing the needs of the people you serve with the resources it takes to make your mission possible," said Jamie Senkeleski, Executive Director of Trailways Camps. "Opportunities like this allow us to learn from experts, exchange ideas with other organizations and think differently about how we engage the people who believe in our work. I'm looking forward to taking what I learn and putting it into practice to help strengthen our organization and the relationships that make our programs possible."

Wester, founder of the Donor Relations Group, is widely recognized for her expertise in donor engagement, stewardship and building meaningful, lasting relationships between organizations and the people who support them. Her approach challenges organizations to move beyond traditional fundraising practices and focus on what matters most: people, relationships and impact.

For Melissa Congress, CFI Board Member and community supporter, the workshop represents an opportunity for the entire community to think about the role they play in supporting local organizations.

"You don't have to work for a nonprofit to benefit from a conversation like this," said Congress. "So many of us serve on boards, volunteer, support local causes or simply want to make a difference in the community we love. Understanding what nonprofits need to succeed and how we can build stronger relationships with the organizations we support is valuable for all of us. I hope people see this as an opportunity to learn something new, connect with others and become even more engaged in our community."

Melissa Congress, CFI Board Member

Through its nonprofit education initiatives, CFI works to provide local organizations with access to resources, training and opportunities to collaborate. Bringing experts like Wester to Southwest Florida is one way the Foundation continues to invest in the people and organizations serving the community.

"At CFI, we believe that investing in the people behind our nonprofits is just as important as investing in their programs," said Dolly Farrell, Executive Director of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands. "When we provide opportunities for professional development, we help organizations become stronger, more sustainable and better equipped to serve our community. Having someone with Lynne's experience and expertise here is an incredible opportunity, and we hope nonprofit professionals and community members alike will take advantage of it."

Wester's visit also comes as CFI celebrates the generosity and community partnerships that continue to shape Sanibel and Captiva during its annual Generosity Breakfast on November 16.

Event Details

  • What: The Future of Fundraising Is… What Matters, featuring Lynne Wester

  • When: Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon

  • Doors Open: 7:30 a.m.

  • Breakfast: Included with registration

  • Where: Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa

  • Cost: $50 per person

  • Hosted by: Charitable Foundation of the Islands

  • Sponsored by: Sanibel Captiva Community Bank

  • Who Should Attend: Nonprofit staff, board members, volunteers, donors, community leaders and anyone interested in strengthening our community

  • Registration: Nonprofit Education Seminar with Lynne Wester

About the Charitable Foundation of the Islands

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands works to strengthen the Sanibel and Captiva community through philanthropy, leadership development, nonprofit support and collaborative initiatives that address community needs and opportunities.

For more information, visit www.mycfi.org.