2026 Recipients
A.N.A.’S FRIENDS
A.N.A.’s Friends serves abused, neglected and abandoned children across SWFL. They operate a broad “Children’s Needs” umbrella that meets essential and development needs for foster children. The request is to fulfill needs for their Inbound Rapid Response program (clothing, beds, tutoring, lessons, baby items, hygiene needs), “Heartfelt Hangouts” program (to underwrite experienced-based programs) and A.N.A.’s Comfort Closet (to stock initial supplies for a Naples-area satellite location). They serve 178 children in Collier County.
Request: $10,000
AVOW HOSPICE
Avow provides hospice, palliative care and grief counseling services for terminally ill patients and families. They are requesting funds to replace 100 sets of medical equipment (BP cuffs, pulse oximeters and thermometers) used by their front line nursing team. Approximately 3000 patients are served annually.
Request: $10,000
BEVERLY’S ANGELS
They are focused on the A.L.I.C.E. community (asset limited, income constrained, employed), representing the hardworking families, teachers and other service providers who earn above the poverty level but struggle to afford Collier County’s high cost of living. They provide essential items for underserved youth and seniors, including maintaining a “crisis closet” at the Naples Police Department for emergency needs. Their request is to purchase and install a security system along with an inventory system. Beverly’s Angels touched approximately 6,ooo individuals last year.
Request: $10,000
CHARITY FOR CHANGE
Their mission is to elevate Pre-K to 5th grade children to achieve their full potential through character and charitable education, community involvement, academics and parental and community involvement.They are requesting funding to expand their reach to 650 additional children with their Character Education, Resiliency and Mental Wellness curriculum. This will involve updating their curriculum, training teachers and after school/summer partner leaders, creating and implementing new measurement tools and creating new program materials
Request: $10,000
COLLIER RESOURCE CENTER
They connect individuals with the appropriate social service agencies and support them in finding effective solutions. This includes providing information, referrals, advocacy and case management. Their request is to create a comprehensive marketing program to expand their reach, especially among underserved populations. They serve about 1,800 clients.
Request: $10,000
DAVID LAWRENCE CENTER
They provide exceptional, lifesaving and life-changing behavioral health care available to all ages. This includes mental health and addiction treatment and recovery. Their request is for renovations of the kitchen, bathrooms and several common areas of Hope Home. Hope Home is a six bed residence that provides residents with a safe, sober environment, guidance, weekly recovery meetings and life skills development. A typical year will see 10 individuals served.
Request: $10,000
FREEDOM WATERS FOUNDATION
Freedom Waters Foundation works to enhance the well-being of veterans and individuals with disabilities through unique boating programs. They are asking for funding to expand therapeutic and recreational boating programs for veterans under age 50. Funds would be used to purchase boat fuel, fishing bait, bottled water, lunches, t-shirts and docking permits. They anticipate serving about 200 additional veterans.
Request: $10,000
GUADALUPE CENTER
Their mission is to break the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Immokalee. They are requesting funding to replace classroom furniture, equipment and outdoor playground tricycles. They serve more than 550 students across 5 campuses.
Request: $10,000
INSIDE OUT SOCIAL SKILLS
They provide social skills training to youth in order to help prepare them for a time of enhanced outcomes. This grant request would allow them to expand their After School Program, the Cohen Center and the Marco Y North and South programs. The grant would be used to pay instructors and purchase supplies. It would facilitate 16 classes and graduate 166 children.
Request: $10,000
NAMI COLLIER COUNTY (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
They provide mental health support, advocacy and education. They are asking for funds to purchase 12 iPads and accessories to be used in their Children’s Mental Health Program. Last year, 936 children were served.
Request: $10,000
RURAL NEIGHBORHOODS
They provide affordable housing to very low, low and moderate income families and build livable communities for the working poor that enrich residents’ lives. Their request is for the replacement of a 16 year old playground in its Eden Gardens housing development. It will serve both Eden Gardens and nearby Hatchers Preserve and serve 168 children.
Request: $10,000
ST. MATTHEW’S HOUSE
St. Matthew’s House provides care, shelter, resources and guidance for people experiencing hunger, homelessness and addiction. They are requesting funds to replace the HVAC system for the men’s dorm portion of Friendship House in Immokalee. This unit serves up to 24 men.
Request: $12,864
THE SHELTER FOR ABUSED WOMEN & CHILDREN
They provide housing support and outreach services to help survivors (including domestic violence and human trafficking) recover and rebuild their lives. Their services include emergency shelters, school-based prevention programs and training/education programs. Their request would provide for the replacement of 9 computers.They anticipate serving approximately 600 victims over the next 12 months.
Request: $10,000
SUNRISE COMMUNITY
Sunrise serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They are requesting funds to purchase and build a full Calming Sensory Room. Replacing an existing room, it will serve people with different sensory needs, in particular those on the autism spectrum. The immersive space will include visual, auditory, tactile and vestibular tools that will help individual reduce stress, improve focus and regulate emotions. Their current Adult Day Training center serves 46 people.
Request: $10,000
YOUTH HAVEN
Youth Haven provides Home, Hope and Healing to abused and neglected children and teens. Their request is for funding to create an Independent Living Mentorship Program. It will include providing the credentials, materials and tools required for success in whatever field a student selects with his or her mentor. The number served by the new program is estimated at 75.
Request: $10,000