Naples Art Institute Awarded $30,000 Grant from the Collier Community Foundation
Naples, FL – September 24, 2025 – Naples Art Institute is honored to announce the award of a $30,000 grant from the Collier Community Foundation in support of its Teen Arts Engagement Initiative. This initiative is designed to provide meaningful, skill-building opportunities for local youth ages 14-17, expanding their access to the arts while encouraging creativity and career exploration.
Through this grant, teens will benefit from programs such as the Teen Master Artists Mentorship Studio, offering hands-on learning with established artists; a Workshop Series exploring both traditional and digital arts; and four-week Digital Art & Design sessions that introduce professional tools like Adobe Photoshop. Together, these offerings aim to nurture the next generation of creative thinkers and innovators in Southwest Florida.
“This generous support from the Collier Community Foundation allows us to invest in our community’s future by creating pathways for young people to explore the arts in depth,” said Frank Verpoorten, Executive Director and Chief Curator of Naples Art Institute. “By providing mentorship, professional tools, and real-world experiences, we hope to inspire teens to see the arts not only as a form of personal expression, but also as a potential career.”
The Collier Community Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. Selected organizations receive grant dollars from the Foundation’s discretionary funds. These funds were gifted by donors who believe in the Community Foundation’s ability to mobilize resources to address the community’s greatest needs. Additional information about the Teen Arts Engagement Initiative at Naples Art Institute will be shared as programs are launched.
About Naples Art Institute
Naples Art Institute is a place to discover, learn about, and engage with the art of our time. As a cornerstone of Naples’ cultural landscape, we welcome artists, students, and visitors to explore the powerful connection between observing and creating art. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for a more connected, creative, and informed community.
About the Collier Community Foundation:
Celebrating 40 years of empowering local philanthropy, the Collier Community Foundation® is a trusted, tax-exempt, public charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the community through impactful giving. Established in 1985, the Foundation manages over 900 donor funds, collaborates with hundreds of nonprofits, and has awarded over $392 million in grants and scholarships to support vital programs and initiatives. By connecting generosity with community needs, the Collier Community Foundation drives informed giving and delivers powerful results. To learn more, visit colliercf.org or call 239-649-5000.
Jenn Doherty
Director of Marketing & Communications
Naples Art Institute
239.262.6517