Empty Bowls Naples Inc. Grant Program

Program Established: 2017

Geographic Scope: Collier and Lee Counties, Florida

Focus Areas:

• Programs addressing food insecurity
• Support for children, elderly, disabled, low-income individuals and families, and unemployed populations

Funding History:

• Since 2018: $1,238,500 distributed through the grant program
• 2025 awards: $225,000 to fourteen local organizations (largest distribution since program began)
• Funding source: Net proceeds from annual Empty Bowls Naples Event (held in Cambier Park each January) and additional fundraising activities throughout the year

Eligibility Requirements

• Geographic: Must operate a program that addresses food insecurity in Collier and/or Lee Counties
• Organization type: Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations supporting EBNI's mission
• Program sites: Organizations with multiple program sites may submit only one application

What Grants Cannot Fund

• Administrative costs
• Salaries

Grantee Requirements

• Must operate a program that addresses food insecurity in Collier and/or Lee Counties
• Grants may ONLY be used for the program described in the application
• Must help promote EBNI through the grantee's website, newsletters, social media, and other means

Contact Information

Address: 6300 Janes Lane, Unit 3, Naples, FL 34109

Contact Person: Betsy Dawson (for applications)

Studio Hours: Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, 1-5 PM

Application Instructions

Deadline: June 4, 2025 at 5:00 PM (Note: Next deadline will be June 4, 2026)

Late submissions will not be considered.

Application Components

The application consists of three parts:

1. Application Form
2. Narrative
3. Required Attachments

All three parts must be fully completed before submission.

Submission Process

1. Save parts one (Application Form) and two (Narrative) as one document with numbered pages in the order presented
2. Name the file: "EBNI [Year] Grant Application (organization name)"

Alternatively, applications may be hand-delivered or mailed to:

• Empty Bowls Naples Inc.
• Attn: Betsy Dawson
• 6300 Janes Lane, Unit 4
• Naples, FL 34109
• Studio hours: Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, 1-5 PM

Deadline: No later than 5:00 PM on June 4

Important Notes

• Applications received after 5:00 PM on the deadline will not be eligible for grant award consideration
• Grants may ONLY be used for the program described in this application
• Organizations with multiple program sites may submit only one application