The Guilford Foundation to Give $135,000 in Grant Funding

The Guilford Foundation (TGF) announced it would distribute $135,000 through its competitive grantmaking process. Last year, TGF awarded 22 competitive grants to community-serving organizations, ranging from $1,500 to $10,000, with an average award of $5,000. The application deadline is March 10, 2023; guidelines are available on TGF's website.

2023 Grant Making Guiding Principles

To address the community's ever-changing needs and increase impact, TGF builds flexibility into the process to evolve its guiding principles year-to-year. The Community Investment Committee's 2023 grantmaking theme is community well-being.

• Basic Needs (especially as related to assisting those individuals and families most at risk)
  • Services to take priority include food, shelter, emergency financial assistance
• Strengthening Our Community
  • Child and Youth Development (childcare, development, education)
  • Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (JEDI)
  • Arts and Culture
  • Other innovative initiatives that promote strengthening the Guilford Community
• Mental Health (mental health, substance misuse, etc. )
  • Promoting awareness, prevention, and intervention

All non-profit organizations whose services support Guilford and The Guilford Foundation's 2023 priorities are encouraged to submit a grant application. The review process is rigorous; all applications are thoughtfully read by the Community Investment Committee with the goal of making the most significant impact in the community.

"Our focus is competitive grantmaking. As we read the 2022 grant recipient reports, we're reminded of the impact of our funding," explained Executive Directory Liza Janssen Petra. "Whether it's outpatient mental health programs, a nursery school nature center, support for women in crisis, reinvigorating the Shoreline Special Olympics program, school supplies for low-income families, or free hot meals, the grants improve the quality of life for many residents."

Grant Submission Recommendations

The Guilford Foundation seeks grants that enhance the quality of life for the community. Applications should align their need with a focus area and demonstrate the potential impact on the organization, project, community, or persons served.

Before beginning a 2023 grant application, organizations should carefully review the guidelines on The Guilford Foundation website. TGF recorded its 2023 Grant Application Workshop, which provides insight into the process and 2023 priorities. Email Program Director Jennifer Mullett at jmullett@guilfordfoundation.org to receive a link to view.

Petra added, "We're proud to address the emerging needs that impact the lives of our residents. A heartfelt thanks to those who generously support The Guilford Foundation's mission to connect people who care with the causes that matter to them."

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Opportunities

At the end of 2022, the Guilford Board of Selectmen (BOS) announced plans to partner with The Guilford Foundation (TGF) to disperse $500,000 in ARPA funds, entering an agreement to empower the Foundation to distribute the federal funding. The federal monies are intended to address the negative impacts caused by the COVID public health emergency.

TGF will hold a second, separate grant application review process for funds provided to the Town of Guilford through the American Rescue Plan Act later this spring.

First Selectman Matt Hoey explained that the BOS chose TGF to distribute the funding because of the organization's impeccable reputation and significant experience in assessing the needs of the non-profits serving Guilford.

About The Guilford Foundation

The Guilford Foundation is a trusted philanthropic partner established in 1975 when five friends organized an effort to beautify the area around the town green. To ensure the perpetuity of their vision, the founders established a source for long-term funding. Over the past four decades, this endowment has expanded in scope and impact and now exceeds $6 million, awarding over $2.2 million in grants and scholarships. Areas of distribution include children and families, basic needs, mental health, youth and education, social services, social justice, seniors, natural environment, and arts and culture.

The mission of The Guilford Foundation is to enrich the quality of life in the community by connecting people who care with causes that matter, now and for generations to come. TGF is recognized as a responsive, collaborative, and trusted leader that takes the long view toward making a lasting impact in the community.

For more information about The Guilford Foundation, visit guilfordfoundation.org.