NAPLES CHILDREN & EDUCATION FOUNDATION Invests Over $22.6 Million in Support of At-Risk Children in Collier County

The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), the founding organization of Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), has invested over $22.6 million in close to 50 non-profit agencies supporting underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County.

This tremendous investment in future generations includes funding traditional grants of $5.6 million and $11.7 million for NCEF multiyear strategic initiatives that fill fundamental gaps in local children’s services, plus another $5.3 million in funding for future grants and strategic initiatives.

“The 2022 NWWF was an amazing success as we welcomed everyone back under the big tent for an in-person celebration and raised the highest proceeds ever,” said John Walter, 2022 NCEF Grant Committee Chair. “We are pleased that every dollar raised in our live auction goes right back into the community, improving the lives of the most vulnerable children in Collier County.”

This year, the number of organizations receiving traditional grants totaled 34, plus 15 other 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 this year include early learning, hunger, mental health, oral health, out-of-school time and vision.

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 NCEF Initiative organization and Blueprint Partner exemplifies the highest levels of efficacy and accountability,” said NCEF Chief Executive Officer Maria Jimenez-Lara. “These private and public charitable organizations collaborate to optimize funding, avoid duplication and develop innovative programs to deliver high quality programs and services to children in our community.”

For a complete listing of non-profit agencies receiving 2022-2023 funding and dollar amounts, visit www.NaplesWineFestival.com.

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 private homes 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 nearly $245 million, making a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of 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. Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives, NCEF has impacted more than 50 of the most effective nonprofits in the community, providing more than 275,000 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.