Through generous funding from GSB, The Guilford Foundation (TGF) distributed $15,350 to 15 community partners for 17 local events in the second round of the 2025 Sponsorship Award Program. The funding supports Guilford-serving nonprofits with events and programs focused on fundraising and increasing brand visibility.

Program Director Jennifer Mullett explained, “In our second round of funding, we received 25 sponsorship applications requesting over $55,000 in sponsorship awards. While we strive to support as many initiatives as possible, we remain committed to our annual budget of $30,000, which is made possible through the generosity of GSB. The Development Committee worked through the applications, prioritizing the needs of local organizations, evaluating existing TGF funding, and considering the breadth of residents served in Guilford.”

Awards from the first application review ranged from $500 to $2,000. This round of funding supports iconic events and programs that build community and connection, including the Little Folks Fair, SongStrong 5K, North Guilford Country Fair, and Wings & Strings Country Bluegrass Festival, among others.  

2025 Sponsorship Recipients (Round 2-April)

“We are incredibly grateful to GSB for their generous $30,000 sponsorship donation. It allows us to provide additional funding to local nonprofits beyond our traditional grantmaking,“ added Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra.  “The sponsored activities we fund enhance community vitality, as so many are iconic events and programs that make Guilford such a remarkable town.”

TGF reviews sponsorship applications three times a year. The final 2025 application deadline is July 15. To be eligible for sponsorship, organizations must be tax-exempt and provide programs or services that directly benefit the Guilford community that align with the mission and values of The Guilford Foundation and GSB. Potential recipients should visit TGF’s online grant portal to apply.

GSB started collaborating with four community foundations, including TGF, after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bank repurposed $100,000 of direct event sponsorship funds to foundations, believing they are well-positioned to prioritize and respond to local needs. This partnership solidifies GSB’s commitment to making a lasting impact on the communities it serves.