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Naples Children Foundation Invests More Than $30.6 Million

in Nonprofits Supporting the Most Vulnerable Children in Collier County
he Naples Children Foundation (NCF), the founding organization of the world-renowned Naples Winter Wine Festival, today is proud to
announce that it has invested more than $30.6 million in approximately 50 local nonprofit organizations to help fund essential resources and
T vices benefitting the most vulnerable children in Collier County. Each year, NCF supports dozens of nonprofits through the proceeds of the
ser
Naples Winter Wine Festival. This year’s investment in future generations includes $7.6 million in traditional grants and $15.3 million for NCF multi-
year strategic initiatives that fill fundamental gaps in local children’s services, plus an additional $7.7 million in future projects and strategic initiatives.
“Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our supporters, we are able to invest in proven programs that transform the lives of vulnerable children
in Collier County,” said Sue Bieker, 2026 NCF Grant Committee Chair. “We are incredibly proud that every dollar raised under the tent of our live
auction goes right back into the local community.”
This year, a total of 33 nonprofits received traditional funding grants, plus 10 additional agencies that help fill critical needs in the community by
taking part in NCF’s multi-partner, multi-year strategic initiatives focusing specifically on hunger, oral health and vision. NCF also funded six special
projects/out-of-cycle grants focused on early learning, healthcare and mental health.
NCF'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 NCF 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 Blueprint Partner program is an endorsement of those strategic initiative partners who are able to have the greatest impact by leveraging
resources, creating systems, aligning protocols and eliminating duplication of services,” said NCF Chief Executive Officer Maria Jimenez-Lara.
The following is a list of NCF 2026-2027 traditional beneficiaries and dollar amounts awarded:

About Naples Children Foundation
The Naples Children Foundation, the founding organization of the Naples Winter Wine Festival,
creates transformational change and improves educational, emotional and health outcomes for vulnerable
children in Collier County. Through its annual grants and strategic initiatives, NCF has impacted nearly 90
of the most effective nonprofits in the local community, providing 385,000 children with the services and
resources they need to succeed. Through bold investments, collaborative partnerships, and data-driven solu-
tions, NCF supports programs that ensure every child can thrive. NCF’s unique approach, which bridges
public and private resources, has become a blueprint for how to transform a community–one issue at a
time. For additional information on the Naples Children Foundation, please contact Jacqueline Wickert at
j.wickert@napleschildrenfoundation.org or 239-325-3187.
About Naples Winter Wine Festival
The Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF), one of the world's most prestigious charity wine auc-
tions, 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 more than $366 million, making a profound difference in the lives
of hundreds of thousands of children in Collier County. For additional information on the Naples Winter
Wine Festival, please contact Lisa Juliano at lisa@napleswinefestival.com or 239-325-2972.
Life in Naples | May-June-July 2026 57