The Guilford Foundation Awards $15,400 in Second Round of 2026 Sponsorship Funding

The Guilford Foundation (TGF) has awarded $15,400 to 15 local organizations through the second round of its 2026 Sponsorship Program, made possible through its partnership with Ascend Bank. Combined with the first round of awards announced earlier this year, TGF has now distributed $24,850 of the program’s total $30,000 in 2026 sponsorship funding. The program supports nonprofit fundraising and community-building events that enrich life in Guilford while helping organizations raise critical operating funds.

This round of funding includes many longtime Guilford traditions and community events, from the beloved Little Folks Fair and the Guilford Fairgrounds Farmers Market to Project Graduation and the SongStrong 5K. The sponsorship program reflects TGF's ongoing commitment to strengthening community connections while supporting the financial sustainability of local nonprofits.

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“These events are part of the fabric of Guilford,” said Liza Petra, Executive Director of The Guilford Foundation. “They bring neighbors together, celebrate our town’s history and creativity, and create meaningful opportunities for nonprofits to engage the community while raising essential support for their work. We’re incredibly grateful to Ascend Bank for continuing to invest in the organizations and traditions that make Guilford such a special place to live.”

The April sponsorship recipients include:

• Community Nursery School – Little Folks Fair
• Dorothy Whitfield Historical Society – Fifth of July Celebration
• The Dudley Foundation – Old Glory & Stories at Dudley Farm
• The Ethan Miller Song Foundation – SongStrong 5K
• Guilford Agricultural Society – Farmers Market at the Fairgrounds
• The Guilford Fair Parade – Guilford Fair Parade
• Guilford Parks and Recreation – Wings N Strings Country Bluegrass Festival
• Legacy Theatre – Thimble Islands Affair
• North Guilford Congregational Church – North Guilford Country Fair
• Paul Dostie KARE Foundation – Kare Fest
• Project Graduation – 2026 GHS Project Graduation
• SARAH Foundation – SARAH Gala
• Shoreline Arts Alliance – Celebration of the Arts
• Shoreline Village CT – 15th Anniversary Celebration
• Soundview Family YMCA – Cycle for a Cause

Jen Mullett, Program Director of The Guilford Foundation, noted that these events often serve as both community gatherings and important fundraising opportunities. “Many of these organizations rely on annual events to build visibility, attract supporters, and fund programs throughout the year,” Mullett said. “We’re proud to help strengthen those efforts while also promoting events that create connection and vibrancy across our community.”

Ascend Bank provides $30,000 annually to The Guilford Foundation and three other community foundations across Connecticut to support local nonprofit events. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the bank redirected event sponsorship funding to community foundations, recognizing their ability to identify and respond to local priorities.

The final application deadline for TGF's 2026 Sponsorship Program is September 15. For more information or to apply, visit guilfordfoundation.org