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 in funds that might otherwise have gone toward sponsoring 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 2020 decision, 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. Ascend increased the funding to $30,000 per year.
Each year, TGF distributes sponsorship funding from Ascend Bank (formerly GSB) to more than 20 organizations, with awards typically ranging from $250 to $2,500. These sponsorships support a wide range of nonprofit efforts, from social services and healthcare to education, arts, culture, and community events that bring people together. Recipients include organizations such as the Community Dining Room, The Connecticut Hospice, Guilford High School programs like Project Graduation and TAPS (Theater Arts Parents Support), as well as the Guilford Keeping Society, Guilford Art Center, and GreenStage Guilford. Support also extends to organizations like the SARAH Foundation and the Women & Family Life Center, which provide critical services to individuals and families in need.
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.
Stay up to date
Hey, Neighbor!
Feel free to reach out to us with this form. We’d love to hear from you!