Fifty years ago, an engaged community member, Elizabeth (Betty) Stevens, was upset that the town did not replace damaged or diseased trees removed from the town green. After meeting with the Board of Selectmen, she established a committee that incorporated to become The Guilford Foundation in 1975.

Stevens recruited seven dedicated neighbors and friends who believed the town needed a service organization focused on community enrichment. TGF founders include Laurence Appleton (landscape architect), David Dudley (banker), Hugh Jones (architect), John Leffingwell (lawyer), Stanley Page (business owner/state senator), Betty Stevens (organizer/volunteer), and Tom Wuerth (town planner/architect).

At a kickoff event recently held at The Marketplace, Founder Larry Appleton shared, “John Leffingwell arranged a meeting with Betty Stevens. After 30 minutes of explaining their vision to beautify and preserve Guilford’s colonial charm, I willingly agreed to join their cause. As I look around this room filled with board members, donors, grant recipients, and staff, I realize hundreds of people over the past 50 years have made TGF what it is today. I am proud to have this experience in my portfolio.”

Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra added, “These seven visionaries started with $300 and three trees gifted by GSB. By year-end, they planted 14 Bradford pear trees, established a community foundation that created a trust to ensure perpetual funding, defined their focus with the motto ‘The Greening of Guilford,’ increased TGF’s bank balance to $8,500, and began to evaluate other projects to improve the quality of life in town.”  

By 2025, The Guilford Foundation has significantly evolved, expanding its mission and impact. Since 2010, TGF has invested $2.5 million into the community through grants while growing its endowment to $7.9 million. Over the past fifty years, generous donors have increased the number of charitable funds to 77. As a result, TGF now supports a broader array of programs and services, benefiting nearly every resident of Guilford.

“Behind those numbers are stories of people who bring tremendous passion to their giving to help organizations deepen community impact,” explained Board Chair Alex Sulpasso. “This 50^th Anniversary campaign honors TGF’s unique role as a hyper-local philanthropic hub that continues to focus on bettering Guilford. We look forward to highlighting how we got here while building momentum for the future.”

The Foundation’s journey unfolds in three key phases throughout the anniversary year:

Phase One: Celebrating Our Impact
Through December, The Guilford Foundation will share stories encapsulating its legacy. This phase spotlights transformative grants that have improved lives, highlights the generosity of donors, and features nonprofit partners who have played an integral role in shaping Guilford into the vibrant town it is today. The organization aims to engage the community in celebrating these impactful narratives through social media, newsletters, TGF’s website, and press outreach.

Phase Two: Engaging the Community
Through an appeal, the Foundation will invite the entire community to support its mission in April. The goal is to raise $500,000 to honor 50 years, ensuring that the Foundation remains a powerful force for good now and for future generations. Every contribution, large or small, helps TGF better serve the community and spotlights the power of collective giving.

Phase Three: Looking to the Future
In November, TGF shifts its focus to envisioning the future. A celebratory event in November will mark this milestone year and launch a forward-looking dialogue about the Foundation’s next steps. This phase will center on the community’s evolving needs and the TGF’s vow to support Guilford for the next 50 years and beyond.

“This year-long celebration is not just a reflection of our achievements; it’s a commitment to continue rising to meet the future needs of our town,” expressed Petra. “We invite everyone to join us on this journey, as the Foundation’s success is built upon the contributions of our generous donors and engaged community members.”