The Guilford Foundation

We are always looking to connect our community partners with resources and learning opportunities. If your organization serves individuals or families who rely on SNAP or Medicaid, consider joining this free webinar hosted by United Way of Connecticut and the Connecticut Department of Social Services on August 4 at 1:00 p.m. The speakers will provide updates on upcoming benefit changes, discuss who is affected, and share guidance and resources to help providers support their clients. We encourage nonprofit professionals to attend and share this opportunity with colleagues. Use this link to register: bit.ly/DSSSnap

Community grantmaking is about far more than writing checks. Community grantmaking is about far more than writing checks. Through our 2026 annual grantmaking program, we awarded over $130,000 to 36 nonprofits serving Guilford residents. At the same time, we received 50 applications requesting more than $300,000 in funding, reflecting both the growing needs and the extraordinary work of our local nonprofits. From youth programs and food security to arts and culture, senior services, environmental stewardship, and hospice care, these organizations strengthen our community every day. We're grateful to our Community Investment Committee, generous donors, and nonprofit leaders who make this work possible. Thank you to Guilford Events Magazine for highlighting the power of local philanthropy. Take a look at the article: https://bit.ly/4pxB57a

Community impact begins with people who are willing to step forward and serve. As we transition from another busy season of grantmaking and scholarships, we are pleased to welcome our newest Board members. Together, our Board and staff look forward to the work ahead, including exploring ways to strengthen our grantmaking process and better serve the nonprofits working every day to improve life in our community. We're grateful for the leadership, expertise, and volunteer service of our Board and excited about what we can accomplish together. Our 2026 Board includes (from left to right): Nathan Scoggin (Treasurer), Stacy Errante Votto, Pam Ellman (New), Julie Paquette, John Hyman (Vice Chair), Jeanmarie Cooper (New), Sarah Blanton (Chair), Kristopher Cricchi, Liza Janssen Petra, Diana Caty (New), Wesley Cain, and Maggie Moffett (Secretary). Absent are Stephen Hegedus, Stephanie L., and Kristin Mastromarino Vander Wiede.

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to The Guilford Foundation's Spring Operating Appeal. Community impact depends not only on generosity, but also on the capacity to put that generosity to work. Our operating appeal provides the resources that support effective grantmaking, strong stewardship, nonprofit partnerships, and responsive community leadership. We are grateful for those who invest in the Foundation's ability to serve. If you would like to support our Operating Appeal, visit our website or follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Qserfz

The impact of a scholarship extends far beyond a single award. At its best, it carries forward the values, passions, and purpose of the person whose name it bears. The Alison Varian Memorial Scholarship Fund does exactly that. Established in memory of Alison Varian, whose dedication to boating safety, marine stewardship, and Long Island Sound left a lasting mark on our community, the fund supports students at The Sound School pursuing careers in aquaculture, fisheries, and marine science. We thank Stephen Goldschmidt and Garth Varian for presenting the award to this year's recipient, Jakub Schreiner. Through opportunities like this, Alison's legacy continues to inspire and support the next generation of maritime and environmental leaders.

We recently welcomed our newest Board members during an onboarding session at our offices. Pictured from left to right are Pam Ellman, Diana Caty, Jeanmarie Cooper, Executive Director Liza Petra, current board member Wes Cain, and Program Director Jennifer Mullett. We look forward to the perspective, experience, and energy they will bring to the Foundation as we continue expanding our impact in Guilford.

A rewarding aspect of our sponsorship partnership with Ascend Bank is the opportunity to invest $30,000 annually in local events, programs, and fundraisers that strengthen our community. A great example is our recent sponsorship of Dudley Farm's Old Glory & Stories event. Spending time on the property and experiencing its programs firsthand is a reminder of how successive generations have invested their time, resources, and energy into preserving it for public benefit. Today, Dudley Farm is an educational, cultural, and community gathering place that serves residents and visitors year-round through demonstrations, markets, lectures, events, and hands-on learning opportunities. These kinds of institutions don't happen by accident. They exist because people choose to invest in something that will benefit future generations.

One of the most rewarding aspects of community foundation work is seeing how philanthropy can connect generations. This year, we distributed more than $120,000 in scholarships, including $81,300 awarded to Guilford High School seniors through 38 scholarship funds. Many of these scholarships were established as memorial funds, allowing the values, passions, and legacies of loved ones to continue making a difference for years to come. It is especially meaningful to connect students with the people and purposes behind the awards they receive. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and all of this year's scholarship recipients. And thank you to the donors and families whose generosity continues to create opportunities for our youth.

As our 2026 Operating Appeal continues, we're taking a moment to recognize a special group of donors who have chosen to invest in the Foundation itself. Today, we're proud to spotlight three funds dedicated to supporting our operations. Their generosity helps provide the people, technology, and resources that make our work possible and strengthens our ability to serve donors, support nonprofits, and respond to local needs. We are grateful for their commitment to building a stronger Foundation and, in turn, a stronger community. To contribute to our operating fund, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Qserfz

In our annual grantmaking, we received 50 grant applications requesting more than $304,000 in funding and ultimately awarded $132,740 to 36 local nonprofits. Behind those numbers are organizations that serve seniors, support families in crisis, create opportunities for children, preserve local culture, address food insecurity, promote wellness, and strengthen community connections. What stood out most during this year's review process was the depth and quality of the work being done across Guilford. We are truly inspired by the nonprofit leaders, volunteers, and donors who continue to invest in strengthening our community and believe in the power of local philanthropy. We are grateful for the time, thoughtfulness, and care our Community Investment Committee brought to this year's grantmaking process. Participants include Board Members Sarah Blanton, Stephanie L., Ashley Fernandez, MPH, CHES, Chris Hodgson, Judith Meyers, Nathan Scoggin, and NiCole Schlagheck, as well as Ambassadors Pam Ellman, Christine Fappiano, Jim Mancini, and Rob McCoole. We look forward to seeing the impact of these grants in the year ahead. Learn more about our 2026 grantmaking: https://bit.ly/44lnPJ3