Written by Sigrid Kun, Guilford Events Magazine

Every day, nonprofit organizations work behind the scenes to make Guilford a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant community. They provide food to families facing hardship, support children and seniors, preserve our history and culture, expand educational opportunities, promote wellness, and create programs that bring people together.

Through its 2026 annual grantmaking program, The Guilford Foundation awarded $132,740 to 36 nonprofit organizations serving local residents. Grants supported a broad range of initiatives, from early childhood education and youth mentoring to food security, hospice care, arts programming, environmental stewardship, and services for older adults. The five recipients receiving the largest funding include Women & Family Life Center, Guilford Social Services’ Holiday Basket Program, Guilford Agricultural Society, Little Sprouts Learning Center, and The Connecticut Hospice, as well as dozens of other organizations working to improve quality of life in our community.

While the grants awarded are worth celebrating, the story behind this year’s grantmaking is equally important. For the second consecutive year, The Guilford Foundation received 50 grant applications, nearly double the number typically submitted over the past decade. Together, organizations requested more than $300,000 in funding, highlighting both the growing needs within our community and the remarkable work nonprofits are undertaking to address them.

Every application was reviewed by The Guilford Foundation’s volunteer Community Investment Committee, a group of Board members and community ambassadors who dedicated many hours to the process. Committee members carefully evaluated each proposal, considering community impact, organizational effectiveness, financial stewardship, and the number of residents served. Their goal was not simply to fund good ideas, but to invest limited resources where they could make the greatest difference.

The Foundation’s annual grantmaking is made possible through the generosity of donors who have established charitable funds and contributed to its permanent endowment. Their support creates a lasting source of funding that benefits the Guilford community year after year.

At a time when many nonprofits are experiencing increased demand for services, local philanthropy plays an essential role. The Foundation’s grants represent more than dollars awarded; they are investments in the organizations, programs, and people working every day to strengthen the community we call home.