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NCEF Initiative, Organizations and Blueprint Partners
Organization 2023-2024 Award
Initiative —EARLY LEARNING
ABLE Academy
Early Learning Coalition of SWFL
Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation-ELLM
Guadalupe Center

(left to right): Nena and Bill Beynon, Rick and Libby Germain, and Julia and Rob Heidt. Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee
by Clay W. Cone Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA)
he Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), the agencies collaborate throughout the year to optimize funding, avoid Total 2023 – 2025 Funding $3,930,000
founding organization of Naples Winter Wine Festival, has duplication and develop innovative programs to deliver high-quality
T invested a record $25.6 million in close to 50 non-profit programs and services to support local children.” Initiative —HEALTHCARE

organizations supporting underprivileged and at-risk children in About Naples Children & Education Foundation University of Florida College of Medicine
Collier County. The Naples Children & Education Foundation, the founding NCH Healthcare System
This tremendous investment in future generations includes organization of the Naples Winter Wine Total 2023 – 2025 Funding $800,000
funding traditional grants of $6.8 million and $11.6 million for Festival, is improving the educational,
NCEF multi-year strategic initiatives that fill fundamental gaps in emotional and health outcomes of Initiative —HUNGER
local children’s services, plus another $7.1 million in funding for underprivileged and at-risk children in Brighter Bites
future grants and strategic initiatives. Collier County. Through its annual gr ants Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida

“The 2023 Naples Winter Wine Festival exceeded all and strategic initiatives, NCEF has impacted approximately 60 Meals of Hope
expectations, bringing in a record amount of funding that will of the most effective nonprofit agencies in the local community, Total 2023 – 2026 Funding $3,295,000
directly benefit underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier providing more than 300,000 children with the services and
County,” said Harry Rose, 2022-23 NCEF Grant Committee Chair. resources they need to excel. NCEF's unique approach, which Initiative —OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME
“We are honored to be able to support some of the most effective emphasizes collaboration between organizations and bridges public Boys & Girls Club of Collier County

and efficient nonprofits in improving the lives of children in our and private resources, has become a blueprint for how to transform Guadalupe Center
community.” a community, one issue at a time. Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA)
This year, a total of 39 organizations received traditional grants, About Naples Winter Wine Festival The Immokalee Foundation
plus 10 additional agencies that help fill critical needs in the The Naples Winter Wine Festival, one of the world's most
Total 2023 – 2024 Funding $2,073,000
community by taking part in NCEF’s multi-partner, multi-year prestigious charity wine auctions, offers a weekend of unforgettable
strategic initiatives focusing on the well-being of the whole child. memories. Guests enjoy world-class food and
Initiative —SPECIAL PROJECTS
Initiatives receiving funding include early learning, healthcare, wine during intimate dinners in exclusive locations
Capacity Building
hunger and out-of-school time, plus a special mental health initiative. throughout Naples and are invited to bid on once-
“Beautiful Minds” an NCEF Mental Health Initiative
NCEF's unique approach, which emphasizes collaboration in-a-lifetime travel and wine experiences during an
Total Funding $1,500,000
between organizations and bridges public and private resources, has electrifying live auction. Since its inaugural event in
become a blueprint for how to transform a community, one issue 2001, the NWWF has raised approximately $269
at a time. Each NCEF beneficiary is fully vetted and many utilize million, making a profound difference in the lives
that process as a “Good Housekeeping Stamp of Approval.” The of hundreds of thousands of children.
Blueprint Partner program builds upon that process. For additional information on the Naples Children & Education
“Each of the private and public charitable organizations Foundation or the Naples Winter Wine Festival, contact Lisa Juliano at
receiving NCEF funding exemplifies the highest levels of efficacy lisa@napleswinefestival.com or 239-514-2239.
and accountability,” said NCEF CEO Maria Jimenez-Lara. “These

36 Life in Naples | May/June/July 2023