SCCF is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the conservation of coastal habitats and aquatic resources on Sanibel and Captiva and in the surrounding watershed. On November 1st, 2018 for a second year in a row, SCCF was awarded the highest possible rating on Charity Navigator verifying that SCCF exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in their scope of work. Join us in supporting SCCF and congratulations to a well run organization.

SCCF’s Mission Statement: "The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation is dedicated to the conservation of coastal habitats and aquatic resources on Sanibel and Captiva and in the surrounding watershed."

SCCF Encourages you to LEND YOUR VOICE! You can help SCCF fight for meaningful improvements in water quality and effective management practices. Lend your voice and help make a real difference when legislators and regulators hear from all of us.

LEND YOUR VOICE: Sign Up for SCCF Action Alerts Here

How did SCCF form and why? In the late 1950s when developments were exploding in most Florida coastal areas, Lee County set the density for Sanibel Island at 35,000 units. However the islands were hard to reach due to the lack of a causeway and lack of large amounts of drinkable water. That changed in 1963 with the building of the Sanibel Causeway and in 1966 with the creation of steady supply of drinking water produced by the Island Water Association. An organized group of nature lovers had the vision and determination to preserve the wild life and lands needed to sustain them. They were called the Ding Darling Memorial Committee and they worked tirelessly from 1962 to 1967 to help the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge acquire their lands on Sanibel Island. Once accomplished, this group turned their focus to the need for preservation and acquisition of lands outside of the Refuge for environmental protection. In 1967 this group was incorporated as the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation with their mission statement: “to preserve natural resources and wildlife habitat on and around the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.” One of SCCF’s first land acquisitions were many parcels destined to become Sanibel Gardens.