FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NAPLES, Fla., August 3, 2026 — Naples Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC) has received a $175,000 grant from the Naples Children Foundation, founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, to support individualized equine-assisted services for children with diverse special needs throughout Collier County.The funding will support NTRC programs during the July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, grant cycle. Services are customized to each child’s individual needs and goals, with activities designed to promote progress in posture, balance, cognitive function, motor skills, communication and problem-solving.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Naples Children Foundation for continuing to invest in the children and families we serve,” said Michelle Schweber, Executive Director of Naples Therapeutic Riding Center. “This funding will help us provide services that give children opportunities to grow, build confidence and experience meaningful progress.”
The Naples Children Foundation (NCF) has been an essential part of NTRC’s history. Its longstanding support has helped the organization expand its programs, strengthen its services and increase its ability to serve children throughout Collier County. That history includes funding for NTRC’s main covered arena, a transformational investment that allowed the organization to provide more consistent programming and serve children year-round despite Southwest Florida’s changing weather conditions.
“The Naples Children Foundation has been part of NTRC’s story for many years, and their support has helped make so much of our growth possible,” Schweber said. “As we reflect on 30 years of service, we are deeply grateful for partners who continue to believe in what is possible for the children we serve. This grant will help us build on that foundation, strengthen the services families rely on and create lasting, meaningful progress for children throughout Collier County.”
Of the total award, $125,000 will be distributed throughout the grant cycle. An additional $50,000 will be available as a challenge grant upon NTRC meeting specified fundraising milestones and providing the required documentation. By including a challenge grant component, NCF’s investment supports the organization’s continued growth while helping build a stronger foundation for future impact. Community members who wish to support NTRC’s mission can also help advance this effort by contributing to the organization’s ongoing fundraising initiatives.
At NTRC, certified therapeutic riding instructors use the movement of the horse, horsemanship activities and the barn environment to support therapeutic and developmental goals. Programs are delivered in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment where children can build skills, gain confidence and form meaningful connections. The grant reflects the shared commitment of NCF and Naples Therapeutic Riding Center to improving educational, emotional and health outcomes for vulnerable children in Collier County. Through continued collaboration, the organizations are working to expand access to proven services, address gaps in care and create measurable, lasting change for local children and families.
About Naples Therapeutic Riding Center
Naples Therapeutic Riding Center provides equine-assisted services for children and adults with physical, social, emotional and mental health needs. Through therapeutic riding, occupational therapy, equine-assisted learning, outreach and other goal-based programs, NTRC helps participants build skills, confidence, independence and meaningful connections. A PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center, NTRC has served Southwest Florida since 1995 and recently celebrated 30 years of improving lives through the connection between people and horses. For more information, visit NaplesTherapeuticRidingCenter.org.
About Naples Children Foundation
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.
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