In a significant community milestone, The Guilford Foundation (TGF) and the Town of Guilford announced the allocation of $1 million in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support local nonprofits in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Guilford First Selectman Matt Hoey commented, “The ARPA funding will positively impact our community as it fortifies nonprofits focused on delivering critical resources to our residents. We thank The Guilford Foundation for their trusted leadership and the ARPA Review Committee for bringing experience and rigor to the process.”   

The ARPA Review Committee, comprised of TGF Board Members, community representatives, and a Connecticut-based ARPA expert, established a process, reviewed the applications, and allocated the available funds. It was a thorough and competitive review process, with 36 area nonprofits submitting applications and requesting a total of $1,966,504. The Guilford Board of Directors unanimously approved the ARPA Review Committee’s recommendation for 34 grants totaling $1,000,000 with awards ranging from $5,000 – $75,000. 

“The $1 million allocation is an investment in the well-being and prosperity of our town. By supporting local nonprofits, we are advancing the resilience and strength of our community. The Foundation staff is working with the town to disburse the funds in a timely manner to facilitate the swift implementation of the organization’s programs and initiatives,” added Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra. 

ARPA award recipients include APK Charities, BH Care, Central Connecticut Coast YMCA (Soundview Family YMCA), Community Dining Room, Community Nursery School, Faulkner’s Light Brigade, Guilford Agricultural Society, Guilford Art Center, Guilford Center for Children, Guilford Community Television, Guilford Fund for Education, Guilford Interfaith Volunteers, Guilford Keeping Society, Guilford Performing Arts Festival (GreenStage Guilford Live Arts), Guilford Sailing Foundation, Junior Achievement of Southwest New England, Knights of Columbus Council #3928, Legacy Theatre, Move to Heal, Neighborhood Music School, North Guilford Nursery School, Orchard House Medical Adult Day Center, Paul Dostie KARE Foundation, Read To Grow, Shoreline Arts Alliance, Shoreline Village CT, Starship Dance Theater & Company, The Connecticut Hospice, The Cove Center for Grieving Children, The Dorothy Whitfield Historical Society, The Dudley Foundation/The Dudley Farm Museum, The Ethan Miller Song Foundation, Witness Stones Project, and  Woman & Family Life Center. 

The services provided by the organizations receiving the funding reflect established priorities, including basic needs (food, shelter, and emergency financial assistance); strengthening the community through youth and child development, JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion), and arts & culture; and mental health awareness, prevention, and intervention. 

ARPA Review Committee Chair Alex Sulpasso explained, “The scope and scale of the ARPA funding are significant for nonprofits serving Guilford.  In forming the committee, we looked for various areas of expertise and skills, including community service, business, youth, philanthropy, finance, and law. We leveraged our grantmaking experience and methodology to guide our decision-making. We thank the Committee for its diligence and hard work.” 

Members of the ARPA review committee include Sarah Blanton, Pamela Ellman, Ashley Fernandez, Christine Fappiano, Mary Jo Kestner, George Krivda (ARPA Expert), Stephanie Little Brown, James Mancini, Judith Meyers, Rob McCoole, Alex Sulpasso (ARPA Committee Chair), Nolan Stankewich (Youth Representative), and Linda Weber (Board Chair). 

Click here to learn more about the ARPA Funding.