Naples Children & Education Foundation
- - The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) was established in 2000 with the vision of making a profound and sustaining difference in the lives of children in Collier County.
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    The Naples Winter Wine Festival is ranked among the top 10 arts and entertainment events for wealthy Americans. This ranking by the Luxury Institute is based on exclusivity, quality and prestige.
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      Naples Children & Education Foundation Names Henderson as Grants Manager
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In the News & Press

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Dec. 062024

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Our CEO Maria Jimenez-Lara spoke at the Florida Le

Our CEO Maria Jimenez-Lara spoke at the Florida Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit, joining a panel on "From Data to Decisions" to discuss how philanthropy and business can drive early learning investments.
She shared key findings from the 2025 Collier County Early Learning Landscape Analysis, conducted in partnership with the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Business Alliance for Early Learning. The study highlights challenges in access, affordability and workforce stability across Collier County’s early learning programs.
These insights will guide NCEF’s $8M investment to expand high-quality early learning and ensure families—especially in underserved areas—can find and afford the care they need.
Maria proudly represented NCEF as a continued Blueprint for Success in data-driven impact.
#NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #BlueprintModel #Statewide #PhilantrhopyinAction #EarlyLearning

On June 25th the @naplestherapeuticridingcenter ho

On June 25th the @naplestherapeuticridingcenter hosted Stall Side Sips Volunteer Social to reconnect with their volunteers and friends of the community. Michelle Schweber, Development Director, hosted and invited the NCEF Grants and Festival Teams to join the fun and do some networking while giving us a mini tour of the facilities. There were raffles and prizes as well as great finger food and refreshments for all the guests. We are honored to be part of this incredible community and grateful for the chance to support such meaningful work.

Help us welcome Dani Henderson as Grants Manager!

Help us welcome Dani Henderson as Grants Manager! In this role, she will work directly with NCEF beneficiaries and the Grant Committee to support all aspects of the NCEF grant process.
Henderson brings nearly a decade of non-profit experience in Florida and South Carolina to NCEF. Henderson earned her bachelor’s degree from Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina, completing more than 800 hours of volunteer work in education, housing and family support programs. She also is a graduate of the Associate Leadership Collier Class of 2024.

Two weeks left to vote for your favorite wine fest

Two weeks left to vote for your favorite wine festival - you can vote every day once per day! USA TODAY 10Best teamed up with a panel of wine industry experts to find the best wine-centric celebrations in the U.S. Voting ends on Monday, July 21st at 11:59am. Click the link in our bio to vote now!

The Naples Winter Wine Festival offers a weekend o

The Naples Winter Wine Festival offers a weekend of unforgettable memories. Guests enjoy world-class food and wine during intimate dinners 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 $336 million, making a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in Collier County.

You can cast a vote for #NWWF as your favorite win

You can cast a vote for #NWWF as your favorite wine festival once per day! USA TODAY 10Best teamed up with a panel of wine industry experts to find the best wine-centric celebrations in the U.S. Voting is open now through Monday, July 21 at 11:59 AM. Click the link in our bio to cast your vote and help us take the top spot! #ItsAllForTheKids

Behind the scenes with our incredible NCEF volunte

Behind the scenes with our incredible NCEF volunteers etching this year’s NWWF wine glasses! 🍷✨ We’re getting ready for another unforgettable weekend of food, wine and fun! It’s ALL for the Kids!

Immokalee families now have access to vital health

Immokalee families now have access to vital healthcare—right in their own neighborhood.
The Naples Children & Education Foundation Wellness Center brings dental, vision, specialized therapies and behavioral analysis services under one roof—no long drives or missed workdays needed.
With support from partners like @ufdentistry @bascompalmereye @gch_swfl and @theableacademy STAR Initiative, care is offered in English, Spanish & Haitian Creole—because every child deserves access, regardless of their circumstances.
More than 600 families have already received care, with even more services to come.
Families can also visit the on-site @mealsofhope choice food pantry which offers nutritious groceries, diapers, baby food & more.
🎥 To learn more, watch NCEF CEO Maria Jimenez-Lara’s interview with FOX 4—link in bio!
#NCEF #NWWF #itsALLforthekids #WellnessCenter #Immokalee #ChildHealth #AccessToCare #CollierCounty #BlueprintPartners

🍷 Cheers to the Best! USA TODAY 10Best is spotl

🍷 Cheers to the Best! USA TODAY 10Best is spotlighting the top wine festivals in the country, and #NWWF is in the running! Voting is open now through Monday, July 21 at 11:59 AM — and you can vote once per day, every day. Click the link in our bio to cast your vote and help us take the top spot!

Big news for Collier County’s littlest learners!

Thank you to our dedicated NCEF volunteers for etc

Thank you to our dedicated NCEF volunteers for etching our NWWF wine glasses! The Naples Winter Wine Festival is set to return for another amazing weekend of food, wine and fun from January 30 through February 1, 2026. We couldn’t do it without you! ❤

Children with vision impairments often face barrie

Children with vision impairments often face barriers that hold them back from everyday activities and special events. But that’s not the case for kids attending Lighthouse of Collier, a proud partner in our Vision Initiative.
Their daily programs empower youth who are blind or visually impaired to build independence through education, experiences and social connections. What makes @lighthouseofcollier truly special is their summer camp and field trips. These adventures include boat rides, visits to the zoo, trips to Disney World, and more, providing opportunities that many children might never experience otherwise. They show these kids that their vision does not limit their possibilities.
#NCEF #itsALLforthekids #ChildVisionAwarenessMonth #VisionInitiative #BlueprintPartner