Naomi Fletcher, President
14684 25-75 Road
Rapid River, MI 49878
Tel: 906-399-2815
Email: Naomi.fletcher54@gmail.com
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.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 GRANGE NEWS
Worthy Master, Honored Guests, Brothers and Sisters,
It is again my privilege to provide the Michigan State Grange a report of the state of the Michigan GrangeFoundation 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 through newsletter publishing and postage, and the work of the MSG Department Directors to carry out and develop programs relevant to today’s Grange.
At last year’s annual session, we announced the creation of the Roland and Beulah Winter Memorial Scholarship. Unfortunately, we did not have any applicants this year. We hope that individuals will apply for this scholarship recognizing excellence in education and growth. The application deadline is June 1 each year. 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 Endowment fund and will be made available with the 2027-28
school year. I’m sure Roland and Beulah would be honored to be recognized with this scholarship and would encourage anyone to apply.
The work of the Foundation relies on the generosity of members and friends of the Grange through donations, bequests and repayments of student loans. Additionally, investments generate interest to assist in perpetuating the Foundation funds, allowing the Foundations to continue 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
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 GRANGE NEWS
As we approach the end of another fiscal year, I want to thank all of you for your generosity contributing to the Michigan Grange Foundation. We have developed a new brochure that will be available for your Grange’s to distribute at the upcoming Annual Session. We’ve updated what has been around for a few years now to include the new Roland and Beulah Winter Memorial Scholarship.
We did not have any applicants this year for either the Student Loan or Scholarship programs. We would hope that you and your Grange would help promote these two important programs. Student loans are sponsored by a Grange, but Scholarships are open to anyone who desires to further their advanced education either through colleges, universities, seminaries or trade schools. It’s never too late or too early to promote ongoing programs. We hope you make this information part of your regular meetings and provide brochures to your local schools.