The Guilford Foundation (TGF) is pleased to announce that the 2023 competitive grant deadline is March 10, 2023. Last year, TGF awarded 22 competitive grants to community-serving organizations, ranging from $1,500 to $10,000, with an average award of $5,000. Application materials and guidelines are available on the website.

“Competitive grants are at the core of our community giving. Any non-profit organization is encouraged to apply, provided their cause or need aligns with our 2023 priorities. Every application is thoughtfully read by our Community Investment Committee, with two members doing a deeper dive into each proposal. This rigorous and thorough months-long process allows The Guilford Foundation to make the greatest impact in our community,” explained Liza Janssen Petra, Executive Director.

The Guilford Foundation’s Community Investment Committee’s 2023 grantmaking theme is community wellbeing.

Areas of focus include:

Basic Needs (especially as related to assisting those individuals and families most at risk)
Services to take priority include food, shelter, emergency financial assistance

Strengthening Our Community
Child and Youth Development (childcare, development, education)
Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (JEDI)
Arts and Culture
Other innovative initiatives that promote strengthening the Guilford Community

Mental Health (mental health, substance misuse, etc.)
Promoting awareness, prevention, and intervention

Evolving our guiding principles year-to-year gives TGF the flexibility to address our community’s ever-changing needs and increase its impact.

Petra added, “We’re proud to address the emerging needs that impact our community. A heartfelt thanks to those who generously support The Guilford Foundation’s mission to connect people who care with the causes that matter to them. Our investments into the community continue to grow because of this incredible community outreach and support.”

Grant Submission Recommendations The Guilford Foundation seeks grants that enhance the quality of life for the community. Applications should align their need with a focus area and demonstrate the potential impact on the organization, project, community, or persons served.

Before beginning a 2023 grant application, organizations should carefully review the guidelines on The Guilford Foundation website. To help navigate the process, TGF will hold a virtual Grant Application Workshop on Tuesday, February 14, at 10 am. Email Program Director Jennifer Mullett at [email protected] to RSVP and receive workshop details.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Opportunities At the end of 2022, the Guilford Board of Selectmen (BOS) announced plans to partner with The Guilford Foundation (TGF) to disperse $500,000 in ARPA funds, entering an agreement to empower the Foundation to distribute the federal funding. The federal monies are intended to address the negative impacts caused by the COVID public health emergency.

TGF will hold a second, separate grant application review process for funds provided to the Town of Guilford through the American Rescue Plan Act later this spring.

First Selectman Matt Hoey explained that the BOS chose TGF to distribute the funding because of the organization’s impeccable reputation and significant experience in assessing the needs of the non-profits serving Guilford.

To learn more about our 2023 Competitive Grant Guidelines, click here.