Ascend Bank Sponsorship Partnership
A sponsorship partnership between The Guilford Foundation (TGF) and Ascend Bank (formerly GSB) developed out of the COVID-19. The pandemic led to the cancellation of so many 2020 events and activities that would have received funding from the bank, leaving many businesses, organizations, and residents struggling to meet basic needs.
The bank decided to repurpose about $100,000 worth of funds that might have gone to sponsor events and distribute them to four local community foundations, including $25,000 to TGF. The foundations provided a more direct link to those working on relief efforts at the height of the pandemic.
Since that decision in 2020, the bank has realized the benefits of the partnership, and the relationship has evolved. Originally, the funds were used in TGF’s COVID-19 Recovery Fund to support families through the Women & Family Life Center and struggling non-profits. As those needs subsided, TGF applied the funds to other grant opportunities and increasingly to sponsorships. GSB increased the funding to $30,000 per year.
Annually, TGF distributes sponsorship funding from Ascend Bank (formerly GSB) to at least 20 organizations, with awards ranging from $250 to $2,500. The nonprofit recipients include social service agencies like the Community Dining Room and The Connecticut Hospice; Guilford High School’s Project Graduation and TAPS (Theater Arts Parents Support); and organizations such as the Guilford Keeping Society, Guilford Arts Center, and GreenStage Guilford. The SARAH Foundation, supporting individuals with differing abilities, and the Women & Family Life Center, helping women and children in crisis, are also among the beneficiaries of sponsorship funding.
When reviewing applications, we look for events that enable nonprofits to raise funds and build awareness while impacting the Guilford community. We review applications three times a year.
If awarded sponsorship dollars, recipients are asked to recognize TGF and GSB in their marketing materials and social media. Click on the Grant Portal link to learn more.
The Guilford Foundation is grateful for the collaboration with GSB. They are a trusted partner that is committed to helping the Guilford community thrive. Our partnership centers around shared priorities.
Both the bank and the Foundation have identified priorities to support families – particularly those struggling with basic needs, mental health concerns, or education. Other hallmarks of the Guilford community – arts and culture, the natural environment, senior citizen engagement, and social justice – are important concerns for both organizations.
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