This year marks a defining milestone for the Collier Community Foundation (CCF): 40 years of connecting generosity with community needs, fueling progress, and strengthening Collier County through informed, lasting philanthropy. What began as a visionary idea in the mid-1980s has grown into one of Florida’s most trusted philanthropic institutions—an engine of collaboration and community resilience whose impact can be seen in every corner of the county.

At the 2025 Celebration of Philanthropy, held on October 17 at Arthrex One, that four- decade journey came to life in the most joyful and meaningful way. More than 400 donors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders gathered to honor CCF’s legacy—and witness a series of transformative surprise announcements that underscored just how far this foundation has come, and how boldly it is preparing for the future. The highlight of the event: an extraordinary $650,000 in surprise grants awarded live on stage.

Four standout nonprofits received $100,000 surprise grants for their extraordinary contributions to Collier County: Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Healthcare Network, YMCA of Collier County, and Meals of Hope. These organizations represent the heart of community service—protecting natural ecosystems, expanding access to healthcare, encouraging youth development, and meeting the most basic needs of families. Their surprise awards embodied what CCF has always stood for: responding where the need is greatest and lifting up those who lift up our community. 

The event also marked the debut of the first-ever $250,000 Provol Award Grant, presented to The Naples Players. Inspired by the late Jeffrey Provol’s remarkable $18 million estate gift, the award celebrates legacy, creativity, and the enduring power of giving to shape a vibrant future. Provol’s generosity continues to ripple outward— empowering CCF to deepen its cultural investments and strengthen community arts for generations to come.

One of the afternoon’s most moving moments came with the announcement of a $5 million gift from Joanne and Karl Wyss (Karl posthumously) to establish CCF’s future headquarters, the Wyss Center. This new home—designed for resilience and collaboration—will allow the Foundation to better support donors, convene nonprofits, and build the infrastructure needed to serve Collier County for decades ahead. 

These milestones are the latest chapters in a remarkable 40-year story. CCF’s roots stretch back to 1985, when founders Donald Franke and William Oberhelman set out to build a permanent endowment for community good. With only $300,000 in seed funding, the early board worked from guest rooms, partnered with local banks, and leaned heavily on volunteerism and vision. Their goal was simple yet powerful: create a source of charitable support that would grow—and stay—right here in Collier County.

Since then, the Foundation has granted more than $400 million to nonprofits and students, supported landmark projects—from the Cambier Park Bandshell to Paradise Reef—and responded to emerging needs with agility and heart. In just the past year, CCF has invested nearly $30 million in programs and initiatives that strengthen education, expand housing affordability, restore shorelines, and support disaster resilience.

The Celebration of Philanthropy captured this legacy of service, but even more importantly, it captured the spirit of what comes next. Today, CCF is charting an ambitious path toward a $1 billion endowment—an enduring commitment to ensuring that future generations have the resources to meet challenges not yet imagined. With historic investments, forward-looking initiatives, and a deep belief in community partnership, CCF is stepping confidently into its next chapter.

As President and CEO Eileen Connolly- Keesler shared, the awards and gifts unveiled at the celebration reflect “40 years of generosity in action”—and a future full of possibility. The story of the Collier  Community Foundation is one of hope, resilience, and shared purpose. And as we look ahead to the decades to come, one thing is certain: Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Collier County for generations.