A Message From Liza

The start of a new school year always feels a little bittersweet. It may signal the unofficial end of summer, but September is one of the loveliest months in Guilford, and there is still plenty to enjoy. At TGF, it also brings a shift back into a busier rhythm and an opportunity to take a fresh look at our processes to make sure we are working as effectively as possible and responding to the needs we see in our community.

First and foremost, thank you. Thanks to the generosity of so many in our community, we reached our Operating Appeal goal. These dollars support the people, technology, and resources behind everything we do. We are incredibly grateful for your confidence in our work and your investment in our ability to do it well.

This month, we're proud to spotlight the grants awarded by our Youth Advisory Group, excited to introduce an environmental grant with Save the Sound, and pleased to share some recent media attention for Chloe's Closet and our Board Chair, Sarah Blanton. Each offers a different glimpse into the people, partnerships, and work that strengthen our community.

And, of course, fall in Guilford means plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy our community. Our calendar is filled with upcoming events, including the Guilford Fair. I hope you enjoy these beautiful September days and, as always, thank you for being part of the TGF community.

Liza Janssen Petra

Executive Director

lpetra@guilfordfoundation.org

We thank photographer Richard Madonna for the beautiful sunset image. You can see more of his work on his Instagram page, @rmadphoto.

YAG Awards $13,250 in Grants to Community Organizations

Our Youth Advisory Group (YAG) awarded $13,250 in 2026 community grants to eight programs supporting children, youth, and families. The grants are as follows:

• Community Dining Room: $2,200 to support 18 free community dinners.
• Town of Guilford Social Services: $2,200 for its Back-to-School Program, helping families with school supplies, shoes, haircuts, and other needs.
• Guilford Center for Children, Before and After School Care Program: $2,200 for financial assistance for families.
• Community Nursery School: $2,200 for summer tuition assistance.
• Guilford Center for Children: $2,200 for early education tuition assistance.
• ALEX, Inc.: $1,000 to support operating expenses for ALEX’s community space.
• Guilford Fair Parade: $1,000 to support the annual community parade.
• SARAH Foundation: $250 for supplies for Phase 2 of the Gavin & Friends Greenhouse project.

YAG members lead the process from start to finish, reaching out to local nonprofits, raising funds, reviewing applications, and deciding where their grant dollars can make the greatest impact. This year, students raised more than $8,000 through their appeal and fundraising efforts in addition to receiving a $5,000 match from The Guilford Foundation.

Since its founding in 2010, YAG has directed more than $130,000 to local nonprofits and community initiatives, giving students hands-on experience in philanthropy while making a meaningful difference in their community.

With the new school year underway, YAG is welcoming students interested in getting involved. Information and an application are available on our website.

Board Chair Sarah Blanton is Person of the Week

Last week's Guilford Courier features Sarah Blanton as its Person of the Week in a great story about community involvement, nonprofit leadership, and building roots in Guilford.

Sarah has spent much of her career in the nonprofit sector, from leadership roles in charter schools to her current work with 4-CT, which partners with hospitals and nonprofits to design programs supporting people facing significant challenges.

Four years ago, Sarah joined the Board hoping to become more involved locally. Since then, her work on our Governance and Community Investment Committees has given her firsthand insight into the organizations serving Guilford and the needs they address.

Now, as our new Board Chair, Sarah brings that experience to her new role as she looks ahead to TGF's next chapter. We're grateful to have her leadership and perspective guiding the way.

Save the Sound Grant for Chittenden Park Project

A 2026 Community Impact Grant to Save the Sound is helping to advance a living shoreline project at Chittenden Park, where the beach and tidal wetlands are eroding at more than 50 feet per decade.

Working with the Town of Guilford, Save the Sound is developing a nature-based approach to help reduce erosion, protect critical coastal habitat, and strengthen protection for nearby neighborhoods.

The project will also give residents a role in documenting shoreline changes through a new photo-monitoring station at the park. What is learned at Chittenden Park could help inform future coastal resilience efforts at other vulnerable locations along Guilford's 15-mile coastline.

WTNH Spotlights Chloe's Closet

We were thrilled to see Chloe's Closet recently receive some well-deserved media attention, including interviews with Guilford Interfaith Volunteers Executive Director Christi Burton and Tony Sicignano, who oversees both Charlie's Closet and Chloe's Closet.

Chloe's Closet grew from the experience of the Negron family, who struggled to find the pediatric medical equipment their daughter Chloe needed while living with Tay-Sachs disease. After Chloe's passing, the family wanted to help make that journey easier for others. Inspired by GIV's Charlie's Closet, which provides donated medical equipment for adults, Chloe's Closet helps families access pediatric equipment that can often be difficult or expensive to obtain.

The Guilford Foundation has been honored to support the Negron family in bringing that vision to life. The Chloe Negron Fund at TGF was established to carry Chloe's memory forward by providing access to pediatric medical equipment, family support, and awareness of Tay-Sachs disease.

Congratulations to Christi, Tony, the Negron family, and everyone at Guilford Interfaith Volunteers for establishing this incredible community resource.

Community Calendar

Other Event Reminders

• Through October: Guilford Agricultural Society Farmers Market*
• Through October: The Dudley Farm Farmers Market and More
• August 12: BHcare Community Day of Connection*
• September 18 - 20: Guilford Agricultural Society Guilford Fair
• September 19: The Guilford Fair Parade*
• September 25: Community Dining Room Dueling Pianos*
• September 27: The Dudley Farm Benefit Concert featuring Amy Gallatin & Stillwaters
• October 3: Guilford Porchfest
• October 16: Sound Life Connections Boots, Boats & BBQ Fundraiser
• October 17: Guilford Interfaith Volunteers Beginner Plus Pickleball Tournament

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

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!