Over $13K In Grants Distributed To Local Nonprofits By TGF Youth Advisory Group

GUILFORD, CT — A student-led group of The Guilford Foundation has awarded more than $13,000 in grants to area nonprofits and a Guilford high School club initiative, the foundation said in an announcement last week.

The Youth Advisory Group, formed in 2010 through a partnership between the foundation and the school’s Interact Club, raised nearly $9,000 through appeals and fundraisers, including the annual luminaria sale for the Guilford tree lighting. A $5,000 match from the foundation’s Elizabeth Adams Fund brought the total to $13,200.

Grants ranged from $500 to $2,500 and were distributed to nine organizations:

• ALEX, Inc.: Queer Prom
• Community Dining Room: CommUNITY Cuisines Series
• First Congregational Church of Guilford: Pilgrim Fellowship Youth Leadership Retreat
• GHS No Place for Hate Committee: GHS Multicultural Festival
• Guilford Center for Children Early Education: Tuition Assistance for families
• Guilford Center for Children Before and After School Care: Tuition Assistance for families
• Guilford Keeping Society: Update docent manuals and fund a GHS student intern
• Guilford Social Services: Back to School Program
• SARAH Foundation: Gavin & Friends Greenhouse Project

Since its founding, the group has awarded more than $150,000 to local causes. Members meet monthly, run fundraising events, review applications and recommend grants to the foundation’s board.

Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra said the initiative gives students hands-on experience while supporting community needs.

"I am fortunate to be one of the advisors for YAG. These students are smart, motivated, and committed to making a difference in our world," Petra said in a news release. "The Youth Advisory Group provides a meaningful experience for them as they engage with local organizations and see firsthand the positive community impact resulting from their hard work. We hope this experience inspires our ‘Yaggies’ to use philanthropy and their voices to create positive impact in their respective communities moving forward."

The group is seeking new members for the 2025-26 school year. Interested students can contact Petra at lpetra@guilfordfoundation.org.