Grant making is at the heart of what we do as a community foundation. Our trusted nonprofit partners do tremendous work to move our community forward. Our goal is to support a diversity of services and programming that touch virtually all aspects of our community.
In 2026, The Guilford Foundation (TGF) distributed $132,740 through 36 Community Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations serving Guilford residents. The awards, ranging from $1,250 to $7,000, support vital area programs and services utilized and valued by Guilford residents. Applications were up 54% from 2021, with funding requests exceeding $300,000.
This year’s grantmaking process reflected both the strength of our nonprofit community and the challenges that come with balancing broad community needs, organizational reach, and long-term impact. Our Community Investment Committee (CIC) carefully reviewed every application submitted. Committee members dedicated significant time to the process, participating in six meetings and extensive independent application review outside of meetings.
As in past years, applications represented a wide range of important work across our community, including arts and culture, children and youth programs, human services, education, and basic needs support. The committee gave thoughtful consideration to how grants could collectively create meaningful impact across Guilford.
The breakdown of The Guilford Foundation’s 2025 grant distribution by focus area is as follows:
The available funding for the annual grant process is linked to the value of The Guilford Foundation’s endowment. Through the incredible generosity of our donors, assets have more than doubled, growing from $2.9 million in 2019 to $8+ million today. As a result of the larger endowment, TGF more than doubled the number of grants given to the community.
The Guilford Foundation 2026 Grant Recipients (alphabetical order):
ALEX, Inc.
American Legion Darrow-Rebuzini Post 48
APK Charities Corporation
Before & After School Care Program, GCC
Camp Hazen YMCA
Community Dining Room
Community Nursery School
The Connecticut Hospice
The Cove Center for Grieving Children
The Dudley Foundation/Farm
Green Planet Company
Guilford A Better Chance
Guilford Agricultural Society
Guilford Art Center
Guilford Center for Children
Guilford Community Television
Guilford Garden Club
Guilford Interfaith Volunteers
Guilford Performing Arts Festival
Guilford PorchFest
Guilford Preservation Alliance
Guilford Youth Mentoring
Junior Achievement (SWNE)
Legacy Theatre
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Lumibility
Neighborhood Music School
Orchard House Medical Adult Day Center
Parks and Recreation, Town of Guilford
Shaumpishuh Statue Committee 2026
Shoreline Village CT
Social Services, Town of Guilford
Sound Life Connections Inc
Soundview Family YMCA
Special Olympics Connecticut
Women & Family Life Center
For a list of the 2026 grant recipients and funding, click here.
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