Over the past year, we’ve been reminded again and again what makes this community so special. It’s the way people show up for one another, the quiet generosity, the shared commitment, and the belief that together, we can make a lasting difference right here in Guilford.

At The Guilford Foundation, we have the privilege of helping turn that generosity into action. Today, we’re reaching out to ask for your support of our operating appeal, the funding that sustains the work behind the scenes.

We are mindful of how often we ask and limit our fundraising to twice each year, each with a distinct purpose. Our year-end appeal grows our endowment and supports grantmaking and leadership initiatives. This spring appeal ensures we have the resources to effectively operate day to day. We make these requests thoughtfully, and we are deeply grateful for the support provided to both.

Our work is growing. In 2025, we received 54 grant applications requesting more than $380,000 in support. That represents a 57% increase in applications and more than double the dollars available for our annual impact grants. We now manage over 87 charitable and memorial funds, each one reflecting a donor’s trust and commitment to this community. With a new home and expanding partnerships, our community leadership role continues to deepen.

What may be less visible is what it takes to hold all of this together.

Behind the scenes is a small, dedicated team that keeps the Foundation running, stewarding donor relationships, managing thoughtful grantmaking, supporting nonprofits, and ensuring strong financial oversight. Our staff and infrastructure make this work possible.

Your support of our operating appeal strengthens our ability to serve. It gives us the capacity to do more – more grantmaking, more support for local nonprofits, and more opportunities to respond to the evolving needs of our community.

This spring, we ask you to consider making a gift to support our operations.

Thank you, as always, for your continued generosity and for the trust you place in The Guilford Foundation.

Thoughtfully,

Christopher Hodgson
Board Chair