Written by Sigrid Kun, Guilford Events Magazine

Fall is here, and children are back in school. It is a fitting time to highlight nine local organizations working hard to improve the lives of our Guilford families, supported by grants from The Guilford Foundation (TGF). In 2025, TGF distributed $117,900 in 35 community grants to area nonprofits, with over $37,000 directed to the nine programs featured that support youth. We applaud each organization and its community spirit!

Baldwin Middle School PTO: With assistance from TGF, the PTO is raising funds to build a playground that provides a safe, inclusive place for children to play.

Guilford Youth Mentoring: TGF funding operational needs, allowing Guilford K-12 students to realize the positive impacts of one-on-one mentoring.

Before and After School Care Program: TGF’s assistance enables the organization to offer financial assistance to families in need of its services.

Traveling Toys Inc: Traveling Toys promotes play by establishing toy lending programs for Connecticut libraries.  TGF’s grant expanded the toys and games offered to Guilford youth.

Community Nursery School: TGF funds are being used to build a new schoolhouse that will accommodate more students and increase overall capacity.

Guilford Center for Children: A grant from TGF supports tuition assistance so that families in need can enroll their children in the full-day preschool.

Guilford A Better Chance: A TGF grant supports Hole in the Wall thrift store operations. All sales proceeds benefit Guilford A Better Chance and provide educational opportunities for academically gifted girls of color.

Camp Hazen YMCA: Funding from TGF enables the camp to provide financial assistance to Guilford children whose families cannot afford camp without this aid, supporting its goal of providing a summer camp experience to everyone.

Little Sprouts Learning Center: TGF support allows the learning center to offer high-quality preschool education in North Guilford that promotes growth, development, and creativity.