A Message From Liza

Summer brings a change of pace to TGF. After months of reviewing grant applications, awarding scholarships, sponsoring nonprofit fundraisers, and celebrating the incredible work happening throughout our community, we have a brief opportunity to catch our breath. It's a chance to reflect on everything we've accomplished together, look for ways to strengthen our work, and prepare for the busy months ahead. Those quieter moments are often when some of our best ideas take shape.

As you may know, our annual Operating Appeal is underway. While our year-end appeal grows our endowment to support future grantmaking, the Operating Appeal funds the people, technology, and resources that make our day-to-day work possible. If you've already made a gift, thank you for investing in our mission. If you'd like to learn more about why this appeal is so important, I invite you to read the article below and watch our short video.

We are excited to formally announce our 2026-2027 Board members, whose leadership and expertise will help shape the Foundation's future. Additionally, we've spotlighted an important learning opportunity for our nonprofit partners as they help clients navigate upcoming changes to SNAP and Medicaid benefits. And, as always, you'll find our community calendar filled with the events and activities that make summer in Guilford so special.

Thank you for being part of The Guilford Foundation community. Your generosity, partnership, and belief in our mission make this work possible, and together we're helping strengthen Guilford for today and for generations to come.

Liza Janssen Petra

Executive Director

lpetra@guilfordfoundation.org

P.S. We thank Guilford photographer Richard Madonna for the beautiful picture of the egret.

Welcoming New Leadership and Board Members

Our incredible Board guides the Foundation's work to strengthen philanthropy, support local nonprofits, and enhance the quality of life in Guilford. We are pleased to announce our 2026-2027 Executive Committee, with Sarah Blanton serving as Board Chair, John Hyman as Vice Chair, Nathan Scoggin as Treasurer, and Maggie Moffett as Secretary.

Three new directors have joined the team: Jeanmarie Cooper, Diana Carney Caty, and Pam Ellman. Collectively, they bring expertise in finance, law, nonprofit leadership, and community service, along with a shared passion for giving back. Additionally, we thank outgoing Board Chair Christopher Hodgson for his exceptional leadership and many contributions to the Foundation over the years.

Read our full announcement to learn more about these volunteer leads who are helping shape The Guilford Foundation's future.

Understanding our Operating Appeal



As we're in the middle of our annual Operating Appeal, we have received a few questions about its purpose and how it differs from our Year-End Appeal. It's an important distinction, and one we believe reflects our commitment to transparency.

Our end-of-year-appeal grows our endowment, creating permanent charitable resources that support future grantmaking and community leadership. Our Operating Appeal, on the other hand, provides the people, technology, and resources that make our work possible every day. It supports the capacity to steward charitable funds, administer grants and scholarships, assist local nonprofits, connect donors with the causes they care about, and respond to our community's evolving needs.

If you'd like to learn more, we invite you to watch the 30-second video and read our Operating Appeal letter to see how your support helps strengthen our community today and for years to come.

A heartfelt thanks to those who have already supported the appeal and strengthened our ability to serve the community.

Seminar to Help Nonprofits Navigate SNAP & Medicare Changes

We focus on supporting our nonprofit partners beyond our grantmaking through leadership and connecting organizations with timely information and resources that help them better serve our community. With changes to SNAP and Medicaid benefits, many nonprofits will help their clients understand new requirements and maintain access to essential services.

The United Way of Connecticut and the Connecticut Department of Social Services are partnering to offer a free virtual webinar on Tuesday, August 4, at 1:00 p.m. Participants will hear directly from state leaders about updates to SNAP and Medicaid benefits, who is affected, how to document work, volunteer, or education activities, and what steps individuals can take if benefits are lost.

While this session is designed with nonprofit providers in mind, anyone interested in learning more is welcome to attend. We encourage our nonprofit partners and community members to register and take advantage of this valuable opportunity.

Supporting Parks and Recreation's Park Upgrades

We are proud to have supported the Guilford Parks and Recreation Department's Buy a Brick campaign, helping enhance two amazing community spaces: Bittner Park and Jacobs Beach. The campaign funded a new patio at the recently renovated Bittner Park playground. At Jacobs Beach, a new playground, walkway, gathering area, and sun structures were part of the exciting improvements.

These projects reflect important community investment that creates accessible, inviting places where residents of all ages can gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors. We thank Guilford Parks and Recreation for bringing these improvements to life for the benefit of Guilford residents.

Community Calendar

Other Event Reminders

• Through October: Guilford Agricultural Society Farmers Market*
• Through October: The Dudley Farm Farmers Market and More
• July 25: Guilford Parks & Recreation Wings N' Strings Country & Bluegrass Festival*
• August 15: Community Dining Room Ice Cream Social*
• August 15: North Guilford Congregational Church Country Fair*
• August 30: Legacy Theatre The Thimble Islands Affair*
• September 18 - 20: Guilford Agricultural Society Guilford Fair*
• September 19: The Guilford Fair Parade*
• October 3: Guilford Porchfest*

*Indicates events sponsored through the TGF and Ascend Bank partnership.

*Indicates TGF grant recipient.

Check out these event calendars from Bishop's Little Red Barn, Guilford Free Library, and Guilford Parks & Recreation.

Want to learn more about TGF's community impact?

Take a look at our most recent Impact Report!