Charitable Foundation of the Islands to Host Nonprofit Education Seminar with Nationally Recognized Fundraising Expert Lynne Wester

“The Future of Fundraising Is… What Matters” will bring nonprofit professionals, board members and volunteers together for a morning of learning, connection and practical insight

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) will welcome nationally recognized fundraising expert Lynne Wester for a special nonprofit education seminar, “The Future of Fundraising Is… What Matters,” on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa.

Wester leads the Donor Relations Group (DRG), which provides consulting, education and resources designed to help nonprofit organizations strengthen donor relationships and create meaningful donor experiences. Through her work with DRG, Wester brings a practical and innovative approach to donor relations, fundraising and nonprofit leadership. Learn more about the Donor Relations Group at donorrelations.com.

Designed for nonprofit staff, board members and volunteers, the half-day seminar will explore how organizations can cut through the ever-changing landscape of fundraising trends, tools and tactics and focus on what matters most to donors, volunteers and the fundraising profession.

 Lynne Wester, Founder and Principal of Donor Relations Group

Wester will share practical insights to help nonprofit leaders strengthen relationships, clarify priorities and develop more intentional and sustainable fundraising practices. Participants will leave with ideas and strategies they can take back to their organizations and put into practice.

The seminar is part of CFI’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector through education, collaboration and capacity-building opportunities.

CFI extends its sincere appreciation to Sanibel Captiva Community Bank for sponsoring the seminar and for its continued investment in strengthening the local nonprofit community. Their support helps make valuable professional development opportunities like this accessible to nonprofit staff, board members and volunteers throughout the region.

“Strong nonprofits help build stronger communities,” said Amy McQuagge, Director of Marketing and Community Outreach at Sanibel Captiva Community Bank. “We’re proud to support opportunities like this that provide nonprofit professionals, board members and volunteers with practical tools, fresh perspectives and valuable connections. As a community bank, we believe investing in the nonprofit sector means more than providing financial support. It means helping organizations build capacity, share ideas and strengthen the relationships that enable them to create lasting impact.”

Event Details

Nonprofit Education Seminar with Lynne Wester
“The Future of Fundraising Is… What Matters”

Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa
17260 Harbour Pointe Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33908

Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for registration, networking and breakfast. The program will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 12:00 p.m.

Registration is $50 per person and includes breakfast and the seminar.

Those who register before October 1 can receive $10 off registration by entering promo code EARLYBIRD at checkout.

Space is limited, and nonprofit professionals, board members and volunteers from throughout Southwest Florida are encouraged to attend.

For questions or additional information, contact the Charitable Foundation of the Islands at info@sancapcfi.org.

About the Charitable Foundation of the Islands

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) inspires philanthropy, leadership and collaboration for the vitality of the island community. Through donor-advised funds, community grantmaking, nonprofit education, leadership initiatives and collaborative programs, CFI works to strengthen nonprofits, support innovative community solutions and invest in the future of Sanibel and Captiva.

From left: Dolly Farrell, Executive Director of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands; Kyle DeCicco, President and CEO of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank; Doug Congress, Vice Chair of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands; and Savannah Kelly, Director of Community Engagement.

About Sanibel Captiva Community Bank (SanCapBank.com)

Founded in 2003, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has nine locations open throughout Lee County. On Fort Myers Beach, the bank is operating a temporary office open on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while its permanent full-service branch is under development.

 The bank is nationally ranked among the top-performing community banks in the country by S&P Global Market Intelligence and is consistently rated a 4- to 5-star institution by Bauer Financial, a trusted independent bank rating firm. With more than $1 billion in total assets, the bank is well-capitalized and generates one of the highest returns on equity of all Florida banks.

 The bank employs more than 120 people, over 60% of whom are current shareholders. Since 2003, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has contributed more than $5 million to over 400 local charitable causes, and employees volunteer nearly 1,000 hours annually. The bank's commitment to community involvement extends beyond financial support, with almost 20% of employees serving in leadership roles with local nonprofit organizations.

 Sanibel Captiva Community Bank's team members provide customized individual and business banking services and specialize in residential and commercial lending. The bank offers personal and business checking, residential and commercial lending services, instant issue debit cards, and a full array of digital banking products and services, including mobile banking apps, Card Hub, online bill pay, Zelle®, Positive Pay, and ACH Manager. To learn more, visit sancapbank.com