Naples Children & Education Foundation Names New Grants Coordinator

The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, announced the appointment of Jane Gray as its new Grants Coordinator. In this role, Gray will assist the NCEF Grants Director and Grants Committee by administering all components of grants processing, including structure of grants, regulatory compliance and sharing of information with relevant parties. She also will work with the Grants Director and strategic initiative partners to identify ongoing support of NCEF’s Strategic Initiatives.

“We are delighted to have Jane join NCEF in its mission of improving the physical, emotional and educational lives of underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County,” said NCEF Chief Executive Officer Maria Jimenez-Lara. “Born and raised in Naples, she is passionate about improving the community and making it a more equitable place for all. This desire echoes the importance of the tremendous support generated each year by the Naples Winter Wine Festival.”

Gray graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida in 2020 with degrees in both Political Science and Economics as well as a certificate in International Relations. While attending college, she was very involved with the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, participating in multiple programs such as the Graham Center Student Fellows and Graham Civic Scholars.

Gray also was very active with Florida’s preeminent student political journal, the Florida Political Review, where she served as Editor-in-Chief during her senior year. After graduation, she gained additional experience by working as an infant teacher at Best day Care Children Center in Estero.

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 over 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.

 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 $220 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.