In 2005, 2010, 2017 and 2022

The Trustees of the Naples Children & Education Foundation commissioned several assessments of the needs of children in Collier County. These studies proved to be a comprehensive overview of the status of child well-being in our community.

Several significant gaps in basic services of Collier County children were identified. In response to these findings, the Trustees of NCEF elected to look beyond their annual grants program and proactively engage in strategic partnerships with local non-profits, local colleges, universities and other foundations with the goal of creating long-term solutions to fill the gaps.

Working creatively with other private or public charitable entities, NCEF has established seven major Strategic Initiatives using the Blueprint Model.

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.

The Blueprint Partners included within the NCEF Strategic Initiatives exemplify the highest levels of efficacy and accountability. Blueprint Partners collaborate to optimize funding and develop innovative programs to deliver high-quality programs and services.

To date NCEF has committed $110.1 million

to these Strategic Initiatives

  • 1

    Early Learning

    This multi-faceted strategic initiative for children from birth to 5 years old enhances teacher quality, access and affordability of education-focused care – components that research deems deficient in Collier County.

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  • 2

    Healthcare

    This strategic initiative provides children in need with essential medical and healthcare services that have measurable outcomes and a life-changing impact.

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  • 3

    Hunger

    This strategic initiative provides nutritious food to children and their families who struggle with food insecurity—the fear of not knowing where their next meal will come from.

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  • 4

    Mental Health

    Through the integration of primary care and behavioral health services, this strategic initiative creates a system of care that works to identify and prevent children’s mental health issues.

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  • 5

    Oral Health

    This strategic initiative provides dental care to at-risk and underprivileged children of Collier Country through the NCEF Pediatric Dental Center in conjunction with a mobile sealant program.

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  • 6

    Out-of-School Time

    This strategic initiative was developed to provide innovative, groundbreaking programming to close gaps in education during after-school, holiday and summertime hours.

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  • 7

    Vision

    This strategic initiative ensures children in Collier County’s Title I schools receive vision screenings from eye professionals and, if needed, additional ocular care.

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