The Guilford Foundation and Ascend Bank Complete Award $30,000 to Nonprofits in 2026 Sponsorship Program

The Guilford Foundation (TGF), in partnership with Ascend Bank, has awarded its final round of 2026 sponsorship funding, distributing $5,150 to four local organizations. The awards bring TGF’s total sponsorship funding for the year to $30,000 across 27 sponsorships that support fundraising, build brand awareness, and foster community connection.

The final round of recipients includes:

• BHcare: Community Day of Connection
• Guilford Interfaith Volunteers: 25th Annual Ron DeMartino Patriotic Lasagna Dinner
• Sound Life Connections: Fall Fundraiser
• St. George Men’s Group: Italian Festival

“These four events are a wonderful way to close out this year’s sponsorship program because they reflect so much of what makes our community special,” said Liza Petra, Executive Director of The Guilford Foundation. “Throughout the year, we’ve had the opportunity to support events focused on the arts, youth, human services, wellness, history, and community vitality. Whether they raise critical funds, celebrate a cause, or simply give people a reason to come together, these events create connections and strengthen our community.”

The 2026 Sponsorship Program supported many of Guilford’s most recognizable community events, including the Little Folks Fair, Guilford Pride, Guilford House Tour, Guilford Fair Parade, Guilford Farmers Market, Project Graduation, SongStrong 5K, Town of Guilford’s Wings N’ Strings Country Bluegrass Festival, Guilford Art Center Craft Expo, Rotary Club of Guilford’s Lobster Fest, and more.

The program is made possible by Ascend Bank, which provides TGF with $30,000 annually to distribute to nonprofit organizations serving Guilford. Ascend provides similar funding to three other community foundations in the surrounding area, entrusting the foundations to direct the dollars where they can have the greatest local impact.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ascend Bank for trusting us to put these dollars to work in our community,” Petra said. “Because of their generosity, we can help nonprofits strengthen their fundraising efforts while also supporting the events and traditions that bring people together and make Guilford such a vibrant place to live.”

TGF reviews sponsorship requests three times each year. Eligible organizations must provide programs or services that directly benefit the Guilford community and align with the mission and values of both The Guilford Foundation and Ascend Bank.

Here is a full list of the 2026 Sponsorship Recipients:

To learn more about our Board, visit the TGF website at guilfordfoundation.org.