The Guilford Foundation (TGF) has announced the timeline for its 2026 annual community impact grantmaking program, inviting eligible nonprofit organizations and public agencies serving Guilford to apply for funding that strengthens the town’s quality of life.

Each year, TGF invests in local organizations working across a broad range of focus areas, including basic needs, education, arts and culture, environment and sustainability, wellness and mental health, human services, children and youth, seniors, and community vitality. In 2025, the Foundation awarded 35 community grants totaling nearly $120,000, with awards typically ranging from $1,000 to $8,000 and an average grant of approximately $3,400.

“Local giving is an incredibly powerful force,” said Liza Janssen Petra, Executive Director. “While our grants can seem modest, they often have a transformative effect. Our funding launched programs like Meals on Wheels, strengthened essential town resources such as the Guilford Free Library, and supported our most vulnerable neighbors, including seniors, veterans, and individuals with special needs, through organizations like the Orchard House, APK Charities, and The WAVE. We are deeply proud of a grantmaking legacy that continues to enrich Guilford in meaningful, lasting ways.”

Interest in TGF’s grantmaking program continues to grow as the community’s needs evolve. Over recent years, the Foundation has seen a steady increase in both the number and diversity of applications received, reflecting the vital role local nonprofits play in responding to emerging challenges and opportunities in Guilford.

Completed applications are due by March 13, 2026. Grant awards will be announced on or after May 15, 2026, following a thorough review by TGF’s Community Investment Committee and Board of Directors. 

“Each application is reviewed through a thoughtful and rigorous process that considers community need, alignment with our focus areas, and potential impact,” said Jennifer Mullett, Program Manager at The Guilford Foundation. “Our goal is to direct charitable resources where they can make the greatest difference for the Guilford community.”

Potential applicants are encouraged to attend a grant information session via Zoom on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Organizations may RSVP to Amy Paris, Administrative Assistant, at [email protected]  to receive the Zoom link. Organizations unable to attend are encouraged to contact Jennifer Mullett before submitting an application with any questions about the guidelines or process.

TGF awards grants to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies serving the Guilford community. Special consideration is given to organizations and populations that are disproportionately impacted or may not have been previously supported. Applications are reviewed with careful attention to donor intent, community need, and measurable impact.

“At its core, our grantmaking is about connecting people who care with causes that matter,” said Liza Janssen Petra, Executive Director of The Guilford Foundation. “As Guilford continues to change, our responsibility is to listen, adapt, and invest wisely to ensure that charitable resources are used strategically to make a lasting difference, now and for generations to come.”

In addition to its annual competitive grant cycle, The Guilford Foundation offers Emergent Needs Grants on a rolling basis for urgent or time-sensitive projects, as well as sponsorship opportunities in partnership with Ascend Bank to support qualifying nonprofit fundraising and community events.

Full grant guidelines and application details are available through The Guilford Foundation’s online grant portal. Questions about the grant guidelines and application process can be directed to  Program Director Jennifer Mullett at [email protected]