Dominican Culture & Carnaval Festival SWFL
Our signature cultural event celebrating Dominican heritage through a carnaval parade, music, dance, food, vendors, family activities, and community programming.
Preserving Dominican Heritage · Empowering Communities
Celebrating Culture. Changing Lives.
Carnaval for Change Foundation Inc. preserves Dominican cultural heritage while creating opportunities for youth, families, cultural groups, and underserved communities through cultural programming, education, and charitable outreach.
Save the DateAugust 15, 2026Dominican Culture & Carnaval Festival SWFL
Venue announcement coming soon. Sponsorships and vendor applications are now open.
Our Foundation
About Carnaval for Change Foundation Inc.
Carnaval for Change Foundation Inc. was created to preserve, celebrate, and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic while using culture as a platform to create meaningful community impact.
Inspired by Dominican Carnaval traditions, especially the Carnaval of La Vega, the foundation honors one of the oldest and most recognized cultural celebrations in the Americas. Through cultural events, educational programs, community partnerships, and charitable initiatives, the foundation connects Dominican heritage with service, unity, and opportunity.
Carnaval represents more than celebration. It represents identity, resilience, creativity, family, music, art, and the strength of a people who continue to preserve their traditions across generations.
Our Mission
Culture that creates change
Our mission is to preserve and promote Dominican culture, arts, heritage, and Carnaval traditions while supporting youth, families, cultural groups, and underserved communities through education, cultural programming, community events, charitable outreach, and strategic partnerships.
"We believe culture can educate, unite, inspire, and create change."
Our Vision
A cultural bridge across communities
Our vision is to build a cultural and charitable foundation that becomes a bridge between Southwest Florida, the Dominican Republic, and Dominican communities across the United States.
We envision a future where Dominican culture is celebrated with pride, Carnaval traditions are preserved for future generations, and funds raised through cultural events help improve lives through education, outreach, community support, and humanitarian partnerships.
What We Stand For
Our Values
Cultural Preservation
We honor and preserve Dominican heritage, traditions, music, dance, art, costumes, and Carnaval history.
Community Empowerment
We bring people together through service, partnerships, family-friendly events, and community impact.
Youth Development
We support youth through cultural education, mentorship, leadership, creativity, and opportunity.
Family Support
We care about families and underserved communities by supporting programs that provide hope, resources, and connection.
Unity
We build bridges between Southwest Florida, the Dominican Republic, and Dominican communities across the United States.
Integrity
We operate with transparency, responsibility, respect, and accountability to our community, donors, sponsors, and partners.
Initiatives
Our Programs
Four pillars that turn cultural celebration into long-term community impact.
Dominican Carnaval Cultural Preservation Fund
Supporting Carnaval groups and cultural organizations dedicated to preserving costumes, music, dance, traditional characters, youth participation, and Dominican Carnaval heritage.
Youth & Community Outreach Program
Supporting youth, families, and underserved communities through education, mentorship, school supplies, family support, and charitable outreach initiatives.
Cultural Education & Arts Program
Providing cultural learning opportunities through music, dance, costume-making, storytelling, workshops, performances, and heritage education.
Dominican Cultural Heritage
Inspired by the Carnaval de La Vega
The Carnaval de La Vega is one of the Dominican Republic's most iconic cultural traditions, known for its colorful costumes, handcrafted masks, music, dance, and the unforgettable presence of the Diablos Cojuelos.
Carnaval for Change Foundation Inc. draws inspiration from this heritage to celebrate Dominican identity while creating programs that give back to the community. Our goal is to help preserve these traditions and share them with future generations.
Centuries
Tradition
Living
Heritage
Dominican
Spirit
Signature Event
Dominican Culture & Carnaval Festival SWFL
Save the DateAugust 15, 2026
The Dominican Culture & Carnaval Festival SWFL is the foundation's signature cultural celebration. The festival is designed to bring the spirit of Dominican Carnaval to Southwest Florida through culture, music, dance, food, family, and community.
The event will serve as both a cultural celebration and a fundraising platform to support the foundation's broader mission, including youth programs, cultural preservation, family support, and charitable outreach.
Venue announcement coming soon. Sponsorships and vendor applications are now open.Sponsor the FestivalVendor Opportunities
Countdown to Carnaval
August 15, 2026
Dominican Culture & Carnaval Festival SWFL — venue announcement coming soon. Sponsorships and vendor applications are now open.
--
Days
--
Hours
--
Minutes
--
Seconds
Why Support Carnaval for Change
Building Community Through Culture
Carnaval for Change Foundation Inc. is committed to preserving Dominican cultural heritage while creating opportunities that strengthen families, empower youth, and unite communities.
Cultural Preservation
Educational Opportunities
Youth Leadership Development
Community Outreach
Family Support Initiatives
Strategic Community Partnerships
Every donation and sponsorship directly supports programs that celebrate culture while creating opportunities for future generations.
Community Impact
Creating Lasting Impact Through Culture, Education, and Service
Carnaval for Change Foundation Inc. believes cultural preservation and community service go hand in hand. Through strategic partnerships, cultural programming, educational initiatives, and charitable outreach, we aim to create meaningful and measurable impact throughout Southwest Florida and beyond.
Cultural Preservation
Protect and promote Dominican traditions, music, art, dance, costumes, and Carnaval heritage.
Youth Development
Provide educational opportunities, mentorship, leadership development, and cultural engagement.
Family Support
Support programs that strengthen families and connect communities.
Community Outreach
Develop charitable initiatives that serve underserved individuals and families.
Cultural Education
Expand access to heritage education, workshops, and cultural experiences.
Strategic Partnerships
Build collaborations with schools, nonprofits, businesses, municipalities, and cultural organizations.
“Culture is more than celebration. It is a powerful tool for education, unity, opportunity, and positive change.”
Projected Annual Community Impact
Preserving Culture. Empowering Communities. Creating Measurable Results.
Carnaval for Change Foundation Inc. is committed to creating lasting community impact through cultural preservation, youth development, educational initiatives, family support, and community outreach programs throughout Southwest Florida and beyond.
0+
Festival Attendees
0+
Youth Reached
0+
Families Impacted
0+
Volunteers Engaged
0+
Workshops & Activities
0+
Community Partners
Every sponsorship, donation, and partnership directly supports programs that celebrate Dominican heritage while creating opportunities for future generations.
Why Sponsor?
More Than Sponsorship. A Community Partnership.
Sponsors gain meaningful visibility while supporting cultural preservation, youth development, education, and community outreach.
Brand Visibility
Reach thousands of attendees, families, and community members.
Community Impact
Support programs that strengthen youth, families, and cultural education.
Media Exposure
Recognition through social media campaigns, website promotion, event marketing, and public relations efforts.
VIP Experience
Exclusive networking opportunities with community leaders, elected officials, business owners, and cultural organizations.
Cultural Leadership
Become part of preserving Dominican heritage for future generations.
Year-Round Recognition
Sponsors receive visibility beyond the festival through foundation initiatives and community programs.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Partner With Us
Carnival for Change Foundation Inc. welcomes sponsors, donors, businesses, community partners, and cultural supporters who believe in the power of culture to bring people together and create meaningful impact.
Your sponsorship directly supports youth development, cultural preservation, family support programs, educational initiatives, and community outreach throughout Southwest Florida.
Together, we can celebrate culture while changing lives.
Most Impact
Presenting Sponsor
$50,000
- Exclusive Presenting Sponsor
- Largest Logo Placement
- Event Naming Rights
- Main Stage Recognition
- Speaking Opportunity
- Premium Vendor Space
- Full Page Program Ad
- Website Homepage Recognition
- Press Release Recognition
- Featured Social Media Campaign
- VIP Hospitality Access
- 20 VIP Passes
- Year-Round Recognition
Platinum Sponsor
$25,000
- Premier Logo Placement
- Main Stage Recognition
- Large Vendor Space
- Website Recognition
- Social Media Promotion
- VIP Hospitality Access
- 10 VIP Passes
- Half Page Program Ad
Gold Sponsor
$10,000
- Gold Sponsor Recognition
- Vendor Booth
- Website Recognition
- Social Media Promotion
- 8 VIP Passes
- Quarter Page Program Ad
Silver Sponsor
$5,000
- Logo Placement
- Vendor Booth
- Website Recognition
- Social Media Recognition
- 6 VIP Passes
Bronze Sponsor
$2,500
- Logo Placement
- Vendor Booth
- Website Recognition
- 4 VIP Passes
Community Partner
$1,000
- Website Recognition
- Event Recognition
- 2 VIP Passes
In-Kind Sponsor
Customized sponsorship opportunities available for products, services, media support, food, equipment, logistics, transportation, marketing, and professional services.
Founding Sponsors Wanted
Be one of the first organizations supporting Carnaval for Change Foundation as we launch the inaugural Dominican Culture & Carnaval Festival SWFL on August 15, 2026.
Founding Sponsors & Community Partners
Founding Sponsor & Partner Opportunities
Carnaval for Change Foundation Inc. is seeking founding sponsors, corporate partners, community partners, and cultural supporters for the inaugural Dominican Culture & Carnaval Festival SWFL on August 15 and future community programs.
Available
Founding Partner
Be recognized as a launch partner of Carnaval for Change Foundation, with year-round visibility across the inaugural festival and community programs.
Become a SponsorAvailable
Presenting Sponsor
Title-level presence on festival stages, marketing, and press, positioning your brand at the heart of the cultural celebration.
Become a SponsorAvailable
Cultural Partner
Champion Dominican heritage, music, dance, and traditions through curated cultural programming and on-site activations.
Become a SponsorAvailable
Community Partner
Stand alongside local nonprofits, civic groups, and small businesses building stronger, healthier neighborhoods in Southwest Florida.
Become a SponsorAvailable
Media Partner
Amplify the festival and our mission through broadcast, print, and digital coverage in exchange for premier on-site recognition.
Become a SponsorAvailable
Education Partner
Support scholarships, cultural education, and youth workshops that connect students to heritage and opportunity.
Become a SponsorAvailable
Strategic Partner
Long-term collaboration on programs, infrastructure, and capacity-building that grow the foundation's impact year over year.
Become a SponsorAvailable
Youth Program Partner
Power mentorship, arts, and leadership programs for the next generation of Dominican-American youth in our community.
Become a Sponsor"Become one of the organizations that helps launch Carnaval for Change Foundation's first year of community impact."
Seeking Media Partners
Help Us Tell the Story of Dominican Culture in SWFL
Carnaval for Change Foundation is partnering with broadcast, print, digital, and social media outlets to share the spirit of the inaugural festival on August 15, 2026 and our year-round community programs.
Broadcast Reach
Radio and TV partners gain on-stage recognition and exclusive interview access with leadership and performers.
Editorial Coverage
Print and digital outlets receive press credentials, story leads, and behind-the-scenes access to festival programming.
Content & Photography
Photo and video partners get priority shooting positions and shared content rights for cross-promotion.
Amplify The Mission
Help share Dominican heritage stories, festival news, and youth program impact across Southwest Florida.
Support the Mission
Your support helps preserve Dominican culture, empower youth, support families, and create programs that uplift communities in Southwest Florida and the Dominican Republic.
Online card payment processing is not active yet. Please use the interest form and our team will follow up.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Carnaval for Change Foundation Inc. is governed by its Board of Directors, which provides oversight, accountability, and support for the organization's cultural, educational, and charitable mission.
RC
Rafael Cabrera
Founder & President
Rafael Cabrera founded Carnaval for Change Foundation Inc. to preserve Dominican heritage while creating opportunities for youth, families, and underserved communities through culture, education, and community outreach.
JJ
Dra. Jermyn M. Javier
Vice President
Dra. Jermyn M. Javier serves as Vice President of Carnaval for Change Foundation Inc., helping guide the organization's mission, community initiatives, educational programs, and strategic partnerships that strengthen cultural preservation and community development.
MT
Marco M. Tomas
Secretary / Treasurer
Marco M. Tomas serves as Secretary and Treasurer, supporting organizational governance, financial oversight, administrative operations, and long-term sustainability for the foundation's programs and initiatives.
Governance & Transparency
Committed to Integrity
Carnaval for Change Foundation Inc. is committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of donor contributions. The organization is governed by its Board of Directors and operates in support of its charitable, educational, and cultural mission throughout Southwest Florida and the Dominican community.
Transparency
We are committed to financial transparency and responsible stewardship of donations.
Accountability
Our Board of Directors oversees all programs, partnerships, and financial decisions.
Community Impact
Resources are directed toward programs that preserve culture, support youth, and strengthen communities.
Mission-Driven
Every initiative is evaluated based on measurable community impact and long-term sustainability.
Get In Touch
Contact Carnaval for Change Foundation Inc.
Whether you're a sponsor, donor, volunteer, vendor, cultural partner, or community member, we'd love to hear from you.