The Guilford Foundation is proud to announce the publication of its 2024 Impact Report, celebrating an decades of impressive community service and philanthropy. As we reflect on our successes built on decades of generosity from donors and engaged community members, this year’s report highlights our significant accomplishments and the stories that define our ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life in Guilford.

The year 2024 marked a pivotal moment for The Guilford Foundation, as we received a generous gift from Guilford Savings Bank (GSB) — the 44 Boston Street building. This year’s gift offers The Guilford Foundation a permanent home, solidifying our commitment to serving the community for generations to come. We are immensely grateful for GSB’s support, which exemplifies their dedication to philanthropic stewardship.

A Year of Generosity and Support
Throughout 2024, The Guilford Foundation demonstrated remarkable community investment, distributing an impressive $248,000 through grants, scholarships, and sponsorships (in partnership with GSB). This year’s contributions included the establishment of four new charitable funds and the receipt of ten memorial donations, helping our endowment soar to a record $7.9 million. Since 2010, our community investment has approached nearly $2 million.

Additionally, we successfully allocated the second half of the American Rescue Plan Act awards, distributing $500,000 to 34 nonprofits that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative not only strengthened our relationships with charitable partners through in-person site visits but also provided crucial financial assistance to organizations in need.

Responsvie Action & Leadership
When disaster struck and the Grass Island Red Shack was damaged, The Guilford Foundation swiftly responded by launching the Save the Shack Challenge Grant in collaboration with the Guilford Preservation Alliance. This joint effort raised nearly $20,000 in kick-start funding for repairs and the relocation of this beloved landmark, demonstrating our commitment to preserving Guilford’s heritage.

Our leadership also shone through with the establishment of the Little Sprouts Learning Center, ensuring that early education remained accessible in North Guilford after the abrupt closure of the North Guilford Nursery School. Working closely with the Town of Guilford, we provided vital resources to support the new center’s launch.

Stories of Impact and Commnity Enrichment
The 2024 Impact Report features a collection of inspiring stories that showcase our commitment to serving the community during a time of need. Highlights include:

• Partnership with Guilford Fund for Education (GFFE): This initiative, launched with seed funding in 2006, has successfully returned to The Guilford Foundation as a donor-advised fund and continues to leverage our expertise and resources for educational advancements.
• Bishop Family Fund: Celebrating a significant transition for their farm market and winery, this fund highlights our role in fostering local entrepreneurial spirit.
• Sound Life Connections Grant: We awarded funds to purchase a mobile gelato cart, which will provide vocational training to young adults with disabilities, furthering our commitment to inclusivity.

As we unveil this year’s Impact Report, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated donors, community members, and partners whose unwavering support has enabled us to make a profound difference. The stories captured in this report remind us of the strength and generosity embedded in our community.

Looking Ahead
As we step into the next chapter of our mission, we remain focused on addressing the evolving needs of Guilford and continuing to serve as a hub of generosity and community enrichment. Here’s to 50 years of partnership, progress, and passion — we’re just getting started!

For a closer look at our achievements and the transformative stories impacting Guilford, we invite everyone to read our full 2024 Impact Report.

Click here to view the report: 2024 Impact Report Flipbook.

Producing and sharing this report fills us with appreciation and reminds us of the strength of our caring, engaged, and generous community. Thanks to you, we have supported our vibrant community at record levels and continue our mission to make Guilford a better place for all.

Click on the link to the impact report flipbook: https://bit.ly/43tK1zV