GSB Donates Historic Office Building to The Guilford Foundation

GUILFORD, CONN. — GSB, as part of its longtime commitment to supporting the local community, has officially donated the building at 44 Boston Street in Guilford to The Guilford Foundation. This donation recognizes and values a partnership spanning more than 20 years, during which GSB provided the building as office space to the foundation.

With roots in the Guilford community, GSB has been a longtime supporter of The Guilford Foundation and the incredible work they do as a local non-profit to enrich the quality of life in Guilford for current and future generations. The Foundation has worked tirelessly for nearly 50 years to support the diverse and ever-changing needs of the community while empowering easy and effective philanthropy.

Through consistent effort, The Guilford Foundation has become the center of philanthropy in Guilford, and we are excited to offer the organization a building to officially call its own. It is our hope that this building will provide a space for collaboration and generosity to thrive and, most of all, for the Foundation to continue doing its great work in cultivating a lasting positive impact on the people who call Guilford home.

“At GSB, we believe in giving back to the communities that have supported us for generations. Donating this building to The Guilford Foundation is our way of ensuring that local organizations have the resources they need to continue making a positive impact. We’re committed to fostering a stronger, more vibrant community, and this donation is a tangible expression of that commitment,” said Shalonta Ford, SVP, Director of Community Relations & DEI.

“The partnership between GSB and The Guilford Foundation has been incredible to be a part of. We are seeing first-hand how local businesses and nonprofits can come together to make a lasting impact and support the community in meaningful ways. We look forward to all the ways in which this donation will help enrich the lives of Guilford residents for years to come,” shared Alex Sulpasso, EVP, Client Experience Officer at GSB and Board Chair of The Guilford Foundation.

“We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift, which underscores our strong partnership with GSB and their commitment to supporting our community. Owning the building is transformational as it allows us to create a more efficient and productive workspace to fulfill our mission, truly serve as a non-profit hub that fosters collaboration and convening, and anchor our role as a trusted philanthropic partner," explained Liza Janssen Petra, Executive Director, The Guilford Foundation. "The timing of the gift aligns with our TGF's 50th anniversary in 2025. This building represents the next chapter for the foundation as we expand our impact through community leadership, grantmaking, scholarships, and sponsorships.”

As a community bank, GSB’s spirit of giving extends beyond monetary transactions. Both GSB and The Guilford Foundation share a continued commitment to community growth and compassion for our neighbors. Together, we believe this donation will be a catalyst for the prosperity of current and future generations and ensure a legacy of community support for years to come.

About GSB

GSB has been serving the financial needs of individuals, families, and businesses in Connecticut for nearly 150 years. Founded in 1875 by local business owners, it has grown into a $1.1 billion bank with eight banking offices, offering a full suite of digital and virtual banking services throughout the state. For more information, visit mygsb.bank or follow GSB on Facebook and LinkedIn.

About The Guilford Foundation

The Guilford Foundation was formed in 1975 when five friends planted trees to beautify the area around the town green. To ensure the perpetuity of their vision, the founders established a source for long-term funding. Over the past four decades, the endowment has expanded in scope and impact and now exceeds $6.5 million, resulting in $2.5 million invested in the community through grants and scholarships since 2010. Areas of distribution include children and families, basic needs, mental health, youth and education, social services, social justice, seniors, natural environment, and arts and culture.