Naples Children & Education Foundation Invests a Record $25.6 Million in Local Organizations

Naples Children & Education Foundation Invests a Record $25.6 Million in Local Organizations Supporting Under privileged and At-Risk Children in Collier County

 The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), the founding organization of Naples Winter Wine Festival, has invested a record$25.6 million in close to 50 non-profit organizations supporting underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County.

This tremendous investment in future generations includes funding traditional grants of $6.8 million and $11.6 million for NCEF multi-year strategic initiatives that fill fundamental gaps in local children’s services, plus another $7.1 million in funding for future grants and strategic initiatives.

“The 2023 Naples Winter Wine Festival exceeded all expectations, bringing in a record amount of funding that will directly benefit underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County,” said Harry Rose, 2022-23 NCEF Grant Committee Chair. “We are honored to be able to support some of the most effective and efficient nonprofits in improving the lives of children in our community.”

This year, a total of 39 organizations received traditional grants, plus 10 additional agencies that help fill critical needs in the community by taking part in NCEF’s multi-partner, multi-year strategic initiatives focusing on the well-being of the whole child. Initiatives receiving funding include early learning, healthcare, hunger and out-of-school time, plus a special mental health initiative.

NCEF’s unique approach, which emphasizes collaboration between organizations and bridges public and private resources, has become a blueprint for how to transform a community, one issue at a time. Each NCEF beneficiary is fully vetted and many utilize that process as a “Good Housekeeping Stamp of Approval.” The Blueprint Partner program builds upon that process.

“Each of the private and public charitable organizations receiving NCEF funding exemplifies the highest levels of efficacy and accountability,” said NCEF CEO Maria Jimenez-Lara. “These agencies collaborate throughout the year to optimize funding, avoid duplication and develop innovative programs to deliver high-quality programs and services to support local children.”

About Naples Children & Education Foundation
The Naples Children & Education Foundation, the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is improving the educational, emotional and health outcomes of underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County. Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives, NCEF has impacted approximately 60 of the most effective nonprofit agencies in the local community, providing more than 300,000 children with the services and resources they need to excel. NCEF’s unique approach, which emphasizes collaboration between organizations and bridges public and private resources, has become a blueprint for how to transform a community, one issue at a time.

About Naples Winter Wine Festival
The Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious charity wine auctions, offers a weekend of unforgettable memories. Guests enjoy world-class food and wine during intimate dinners in exclusive locations throughout Naples and are invited to bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel and wine experiences during an electrifying live auction. Since its inaugural event in 2001, the NWWF has raised approximately $269 million, making a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children.

For additional information on the Naples Children & Education Foundation or the Naples Winter Wine Festival, contact Lisa Juliano at lisa@napleswinefestival.com or 239-514-2239.