The Mission of the Foundation is to provide educational resources to an many members and charitable organizations as possible, as well as to support health and wellness. Interest free loans are available for Grange members to attend Universities, Colleges, and/or Trade Schools of their choice. Funds are also available for Grange Department Directors' programs including support for Youth Leadership and Promotion, Junior Activities, Family Activities, Lecturer’s Activities, Deaf Awareness Projects, and Community Service Projects.
The Foundation is supported by donations from Granges and by individuals who believe in the program. Additional funds are also gained from investments made by the Foundation Board of Directors.
A permanent Endowment Fund has been established from which only the interest earned is used for Foundation activities. Donations can be made directly to the endowment fund. In addition one-half of all general donations are credited to the fund. Establishment of this fund assures a continued support in the future of the Foundation programs.
Donations to the Foundation are tax deductible, as the Foundation is incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit entity. Donations can be made to commemorate the lives of
deceased friends, family, and Grange brethren. It is also suggested that donations can be made on special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc. The Foundation can also be named as a beneficiary in a will or trust, and can accept real estate and personal property donations. Your donations to the Michigan State Grange Foundation will be gratefully acknowledged and your support will be appreciated by the many benefactors that receive support from Foundation programs.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 GRANGE NEWS
The Foundation didn't meet in July this year due to the fact we had no one applying for a student loan,and members were traveling hither and yon to represent your Granges at conventions and workshops. Our report this year at State Session will include some exciting news. I don't want to give it away here, but do want you to know we'll be able to help more students achieve their academic goals. You'll see my full report in the next issue of MGN.
I would like to thank those who have remembered loved ones who have passed on with generous donations to the Foundation. Your contributions help students in need, and are greatly appreciated by those
who receive a student loan. We always include the Foundation contribution form in MGN for your convenience.
We look forward to seeing you all at State Session in Owosso in October, and wish you the best of the
upcoming holiday season.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 GRANGE NEWS
Brothers and Sisters,It is my privilege to provide the Michigan State Grange a report of the state of the Michigan Grange Foundation on behalf of the full board.
Members of the Board of the Foundation include Jackie Bishop-Secretary/Treasurer, Asgeir Sigurdsson “OZ’ Vice President, Jeff Swainston-Director and Chris Johnston—Director. Each of these individuals have worked together in making major decisions on behalf of the Foundation. Thank you for your dedication to the work of the Foundation.
The Foundation’s work has focused over the years on providing charitable contributions to such organizations whose purpose aligns with the aims and purposes of the Foundation. The Foundation also provides student loans to individuals seeking higher education in university, college, or vocational arenas. In addition, the Foundation supports the work of the Grange as a whole through newsletter publishing and postage, and the work of the MSG Department Directors to carry out and develop programs relevant to today’s Grange.
I am pleased to announce at this session that the Foundation has worked diligently this last year to develop the Roland and Beulah Winter Memorial Scholarship. We’ll soon be able to inform the members of the amount of the scholarship and how many we will award. Applications will be due by June 1. Scholarships are open to any individual who wishes to continue their educational journey at an institution of higher learning, including trade and vocational schools. It is NOT limited to high school graduates. I
want to emphasize ANYONE may apply. The funds utilized for this scholarship will be based on the interest earned on the American National Annuity and will be available with the 2026-27 school year, there will be 3 $1,000. scholarships. The remaining interest will be held separately and build each year to include residual interest for future scholarships. The number and amount of scholarships may vary each year depending on the interest earned from the American National Annuity. I’m sure Roland and Beulah would be honored to be recognized with this scholarship.
The work of the Foundation relies on the generosity of members and friends of the Grange through donations, bequests, and repayment of student loans. Additionally, investments generate interest to assist in perpetuating the Foundation fund, allowing the Foundation to perpetuate its work. The financial Report is attached to this report for your review.
An additional item of note are the funds specifically dedicated to securing a monument commemorating Past State Master Jonathan Woodman. We are still working on making sure Brother Woodman is recognized in some way in Michigan.
As always, the Foundation thanks the Grange members and friends for their generosity over the years. Your donations assist in continuing the work of the Grange and the Foundation. As a 501 C3 organization, your contributions are tax deductible.
Fraternally, Naomi Fletcher, Board President