NAPLES, FL — August 24, 2026 — Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has received a $110,000 grant from the Naples Children Foundation, founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, to support its Mentoring programs in Collier County.
The grant is part of the Naples Children Foundation’s 2026–2027 traditional funding awards supporting organizations that provide essential resources and services to vulnerable children in Collier County.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast creates and supports meaningful relationships between caring adult mentors, known as Bigs, and young people, known as Littles. These connections help young people build confidence, develop stronger relationships, pursue higher aspirations and achieve educational success while providing consistent support from a caring adult.
“Strong mentors can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life, opening doors to new possibilities and helping them navigate challenges with confidence,” said Sarah Zaiser-Kelly, SVP of Grants & Community Impact at the Naples Children Foundation. “We are proud to invest in Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast and their work to create meaningful connections that empower Collier County youth to build brighter futures.”
The investment from the Naples Children Foundation will help Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast continue connecting youth with trained adult mentors and provide the professional support that helps those mentoring relationships thrive.
“Mentoring is more than simply spending time together. It is about building trust, encouraging a young person to dream bigger and being there as they navigate important moments in their lives,” said Kamala Martinez, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. “We are proud to partner with the Naples Children Foundation to help more young people experience the power and promise of a supportive mentoring relationship.”
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 420,000 children with the services and resources they need to succeed. Through bold investments, collaborative partnerships, and data-driven solutions, 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 more than 57 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has helped young people realize their full potential through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships. By connecting youth with caring adult mentors, the organization empowers them to build confidence, achieve educational success, and develop the skills needed to thrive in school, work, and life.
Now the 10th largest Big Brothers Big Sisters agency in the nation, the organization continues to expand its reach and impact as one of the leading youth mentoring organizations in the country. In recognition of its continued growth and impact, the organization received the 2025 Growth Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Learn more or get involved at bbbssun.org.
Media Contacts
Vinnie Mascarenhas, VP Marketing & Communications Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast 941-488-4009 vmascarenhas@bbbssun.org