Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCFF) Invests a Record $33.2 Million

in Local Organizations Supporting Underprivileged and at Risk Children in Collier County.

NCEF, the founding organization of Naples Winter Wine Festival, has invested a record $33.2 million in more than 50 nonprofit organizations supporting underprivileged and at risk children in Collier County.

This tremendous investment in future generations includes funding traditional grants of over $6.6 million and $19.4 million for NCEF multiyear strategic initiatives that fill fundamental gaps in local children’s services, plus another $7.2 million in funding for future projects and strategic initiatives.

“The 2024 Naples Winter Wine Festival broke all records allowing us to provide the highest amount of funding ever for underprivileged and at-risk children in our community,” said Jacki Guinn, 2023-24 NCEF Grant Committee Chair. “We are thrilled to support these nonprofits in our mission of making a profound and sustaining difference in the lives of children in Collier County. ”

This year, a total of 32 organizations received traditional grants, plus 19 additional agencies that help fill critical needs in the community by taking part in NCEF’s multi partner, multiyear strategic initiatives focusing on the wellbeing of the whole child. Those initiatives receiving funding include early learning, healthcare, 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. “Our strategic partners collaborate throughout the year to optimize funding, avoid duplication and develop innovative programs aimed at delivering high quality services to support local children,” said NCEF CEO Maria Jimenez-Lara. “The amount allocated for these multi-year initiatives is quite significant, reflecting our overwhelming belief in their impact and efficacy.”

About Naples Children & Education Foundation The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), 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 close to 90 of the most effective nonprofits 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 (NWWF), 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 elegant, private homes and other landmark settings 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 almost $302 million, making a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in Collier County.

For additional information on the Naples Children & Education Foundation or the Naples Winter Wine Festival, contact Lisa Juliano at lisa@napleswinefestival.com or239-514-2239.