Be The Seed: Wallingford's #greatGIVE06492 Grows New Roots for 2026

Wallingford, CT —

Last May, 17 Wallingford nonprofits proved that small gifts—some as little as $5—could add up to $100,000 when neighbors inspire neighbors. Eighty-five percent of that total came from grassroots donors, sparked by local Champions whose matching gifts sent a clear message: every grassroots contribution matters here.

Now, as The Great Give returns May 6–7, the #greatGIVE06492 coalition is planting something new.

Introducing the Seed Fund

One gift. Eighteen nonprofits. Every dollar split equally.

The Seed Fund is designed for donors who believe in Wallingford's nonprofit community as a whole—those who want to nourish the entire garden, not just a single flower. From Think First - A national injury proevention initiative hosted by Gaylord Specialty Hospital (VIP story) to neighbors who have been singing for the community for over five decades. (chorus) The familiar with special projects (Wallingford Table) or stories of hope, kindness, and commitment.

It's simpler. It's inclusive. And it's built for a moment when the economy has changed what people can give—but not their desire to help. We welcome the idea of thousands of $10 gifts. #BeTheSeed is about connection. Paying it Forward. Thinking Possible. Being Stronger together. Hope. Kindness. Neighbors.

Two organizations join the local collaborative for the first time: Literacy Volunteers of Central CT (expanding to fill a gap story) and Bikers Against Animal Cruelty (BAAC) who meet monthly at WPAA-TV.

Give $60 or more to the Seed Fund and you'll earn a "Seed Planter" badge to share on social media, plus entry into a swag bag prize drawing. But really, the badge is a thank-you—and an invitation to inspire someone else to plant their own seed. Following in the prize motif of the giving day: three champions will win a Prepared Hero Fire blanket and some swas from nonprofits of their choice. (Value $125)

Stories That Take Root

Behind every nonprofit is a story. And stories are what turn strangers into neighbors.

That's where gG comes in—the friendly acorn mascot tending Wallingford's "Community Garden" year-round. Through video features produced with WPAA-TV, gG brings donors face-to-face with the people behind the missions: the volunteers at Master's Manna packing food bags before dawn, the mentors at Fostering Family Hope showing up for kids in care. (story)

"The seeds you helped us plant will blossom for many to reap," organizers wrote after last year's campaign. This year, the storytelling starts even earlier—because connection is what makes the giving feel real.

Follow #BeTheSeed to watch the stories unfold.

How Wallingford Is Different

The Great Give supports over 500 nonprofits in greater New Haven. Wallingford collaborates within it to highlight work rooted in Wallingford. #BeTheSeed welcomes everyone to help make great thing grow from within Wallingford.

The James H. Napier Foundation and Wallingford Rotary are among the local sponsors stretching every dollar further through matching funds. Every connection will be amplified. But the deeper story is nearly two decades in the making: the Wallingford Alliance, an informal network of nonprofits, funders, and town departments that decided long ago to work together instead of compete.

Connecticut Foodshare CEO Jason Jakubowski put it simply when speaking with Mayor Vincent Cervoni: "This is not happening anywhere else in Connecticut." Connecticut Foodshare is a #greatGIVE06492 nonprofit. (tour)

Be The Seed

The Seed Fund opens 8 am May 1 and ends May 11th. But the exhilarating connection to neighbors happens when the leader board shows passion for great work, prizes are announce for early birds, lunch hours, happy hours, midnight snacks and Goldent Tickets in the 36-hour Giving Day extravaganzza hosted by the Community Foundation For Greater New Haven: May 6–7 36 hours begins at 8 am and ends 8 pm.

However you give—$10 to the Seed Fund, $100 to your favorite nonprofit, or simply sharing a story—you're part of what grows here.

#BeTheSeed · #greatGIVE06492 · facebook.com/GreatGive06492

Introducing the partners

Get the value of your gift immediately. Join us for the BeTheSeed Performance featuring The Bargain Band.