NAPLES — The Immokalee Foundation has announced it has been awarded the Candid 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency. This marks the tenth year in a row the Foundation has received this distinction, putting the educational and career development nonprofit in the top 0.1% of charities nationally in terms of transparency.

The Immokalee Foundation is Southwest Florida's first and only organization offering a full continuum of support with impressive outcomes—starting with early literacy intervention in elementary school and extending through career exploration, immersive learning experiences, and postsecondary education, ultimately leading to long-term career success.

The Foundation's multiple-award-winning Career Pathways program introduces students to new pathways to success and financial independence through robust programming that prepares them for well-paying, in-demand professional careers in four distinct pathways: Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management, and Healthcare.

Candid Platinum status demonstrates The Immokalee Foundation's exceptional trustworthiness, financial strength, adherence to best practices in fiscal management, and tangible, successful outcomes in its mission to create pathways to professional careers for students in Immokalee.

The Immokalee Foundation's Business Management & Entrepreneurship Pathway introduced recent Immokalee Foundation alumnus Elvis Velasquez-Morales to a variety of business types, principles, and professionals. Today, as a Client Relationship Manager at SWFL, Inc., he puts his well-rounded skill set to good use in supporting businesses throughout the region.

"The Immokalee Foundation has truly transformed my life by giving me valuable experiences that prepared me for college," Velasquez-Morales said. "I felt confident and ready to take on the world, supported by mentors and advocates who guided me through challenges and encouraged my growth. The Foundation pushed me to rise to the occasion, shaping me into a more capable and determined individual."

To earn Platinum status, The Immokalee Foundation disclosed extensive information through its Candid Nonprofit Profile. The in-depth data encompasses the Foundation's organizational background, detailed financial data, and qualitative and quantitative information on its goals, strategies, capabilities, and results.

Philanthropists, donors, and foundations that support charitable organizations rely on Candid ratings as a verified indicator of nonprofits' strength, proficiency, and effectiveness.

"The Immokalee Foundation's educational programs positively impact Southwest Florida by giving our students a pathway to life-changing careers that align directly with our region's workforce needs," said Noemi Y. Perez, Immokalee Foundation president and CEO. "By preparing students to assume key roles in critically needed professions—from healthcare to engineering—we aren't just supporting individual success; we are feeding the pipeline for Southwest Florida's future workforce and ensuring our local businesses have the home-grown talent they need to thrive. We continue to be honored by Candid's ongoing recognition of our mission."

About The Immokalee Foundation:

For over 34 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career readiness, and workforce development for students in Immokalee—from kindergarten through postsecondary education. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, become a mentor, host an intern, take a tour, volunteer as a career panel speaker or host, donate, or include the Foundation in your will through legacy giving, please call 239-430-9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org.

About Candid:

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 more than $400 million in grants and scholarships over the past 40 years 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.