The NCF Difference
What sets the Naples Children Foundation (NCF) apart is its strategic, long-term approach to philanthropy. NCF goes beyond grantmaking, investing in collaborative, data-driven initiatives that tackle the root causes of children’s issues in Collier County. Through comprehensive assessments, strategic funding, and capacity-building, NCF ensures resources drive systemic, sustainable change. With a focus on measurable outcomes and cross-sector collaboration, NCF acts as a true partner in change—maximizing every dollar to create lasting impact for the county’s most vulnerable children.
Being Connectors
Where Connection Drives Change
At NCF, we’re more than a funder—we’re a connector. Our approach goes beyond grantmaking to foster meaningful collaboration, increase program quality and expand opportunities across Collier County. By breaking down silos and encouraging shared solutions, we help organizations work better together. Through our support network, we ensure our Traditional Beneficiaries and Blueprint Partners have access to the tools, resources and relationships they need to build capacity, strengthen their teams and scale their impact.
Operating Principles
At NCF, we define ourselves as investors and are interested in creating the highest possible levels of human gain for the grant dollars we have available. Given this focus, we review each proposal with respect to available funds and ask three overarching questions:
-
1. What will be the results from this program and how will we know when those results have been achieved?
Results are defined as the positive changes in behaviors and/or conditions in participants that will be achieved through the program.
-
2. How likely is it that the results can be achieved?
Our assessment will be based on factors such as past results and successes of the organization and its programs, validity of the proposed program approach, organizational capability and key personnel leading the program.
-
3. Is this the best possible use of the Naples Children Foundation funds given other opportunities before us?
We consider the cost relative to looking for programs that increase collaboration, quality and opportunities for other organizations. In reviewing proposals, we look at the use of all monies going into a program, not just dollars contributed by the NCF, as well as the sustainability of the work.
In making investment determinations, the NCF Grant Committee will look for programs with the following characteristics:
- Programs designed to produce and verify specific changes in behaviors and/or conditions of children, and changes in organizations that directly contribute to the Foundation results we seek in the respective focus area
- Programs that can be effectively implemented and ultimately continued without our funding
- Programs that are replicable and can be shared with other organizations looking to produce similar results; and
- Programs that use evidence-based practices and strategies and/or offer clear results
For more details on requirements and expectations for becoming a Beneficiary of NCF, please review our full Grant Guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re exploring funding opportunities for the first time or are a returning applicant, this page provides quick answers to the most commonly asked questions about our grantmaking process. Here, you’ll find key details about eligibility, application timelines, funding limits, reporting requirements and more. If your question isn’t addressed below, we encourage you to review the full Grant Guidelines or reach out to our Grants team for additional support.
If you have any questions about becoming a beneficiary, please contact Dani Henderson, Grants Manager, at d.henderson@napleschildrenfoundation.org.