After more than 90 years of dedicated community service, the Naples Woman’s Club (NWC) is transforming its philanthropic approach to create deeper, more lasting impact in Collier County. This year the club awarded $105,000 in grants to two local non-profits, with a fundraising philosophy focused on fewer recipients and more meaningful support.

The shift began with the club’s inaugural gala at The Maddox held in January, which raised significant funds for two key partners: Harry Chapin Food Bank and Collier Senior Center. A follow up event, A Culinary Journey, will take place on March 12, 2026, again at The Maddox, with proceeds benefiting Path2Freedom, a nonprofit supporting survivors of child trafficking.

“Our evolving approach is about depth, not breadth. By focusing our resources on fewer organizations, we’re able to make a real, measurable, difference in people’s lives – and that’s the kind of legacy we’d like to build,” said Suzanne King, president of Naples Woman’s Club.

2025 Grants At a Glance

• Harry Chapin Food Bank – $58,000
  This grant will provide thousands of healthy meals to Collier County families in need, helping to reduce food insecurity throughout the region.
• Collier Senior Center – $47,000
  Funds will support professional mental health services, peer support, and emergency financial aid for vulnerable seniors across the county.
• Path2Freedom – 2026 Beneficiary
  Proceeds from A Culinary Journey will help restore dignity and hope to child survivors of human trafficking through a comprehensive, long-term residential recovery program.

Supporting Southwest Florida’s Most Pressing Needs

Harry Chapin Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in Southwest Florida, serving 250,00 Collier County residents seeking food assistance monthly. It is part of the Feeding America network of 175 agency partners; in 2024 HCFB distributed 12.6 million pounds of food in Collier County and over 39 million pounds of food across its five-county service area.

Collier Senior Center is a Golden Gate facility dedicated to providing comprehensive service and resources for seniors and caregivers, including free professional counseling and emergency financial assistance. The center’s goal is to ensure that every one of its 2000+ members enjoys safe housing, wellbeing, peace of mind, and friendship.

Path2Freedom serves the needs of child trafficking survivors through their journey from rescue to recovery to rebuilding, a secure, long-term personalize residential program that includes trauma therapy and academic support.

A Legacy of Service and Impact

Founded in 1932, the Naples Woman’s Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families through education, philanthropy, and service. From providing milk to undernourished children during the depression, to starting Naples’ first public library and helping to launch Youth Haven, the Club has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly a century. Today, NWC members continue that legacy through hands-on volunteerism and generous fundraising. To date, the Club has contributed more than $4 million in scholarships, grants, and community support across Collier County.