Volume 2 | Issue 16
August 22, 2025
A publication of the National Grange
National Grange Awards $40,000 in Rural Life Initiative Grants 32 Projects Selected to Strengthen Hometowns Across America by Philip J Vonada
National Grange Communications Director
WASHINGTON, DC – In late June, National Grange President Christine E. Hamp announced the nationwide launch of the Rural Life Initiative, a program designed to revitalize hometowns by funding community-based projects through local Granges. Following a year of successful pilot programs in seven states, the expanded initiative will support Granges making a difference in their communities. The initial round of grants required applicants to include a focus tied to the National Grange’s signature program, Project Sustenance, which aims to address issues of food security, self-sustainability, and personal and community resilience. Additionally, applicants were required to identify at least one partner organization in their area to collaborate with, and also had to include a strategy for recruiting
new members. By the July 31, 2025 deadline, more than 60 applications from 46 Granges were submitted. Thirty $1,000 grants will fund projects to be completed by September 30, 2025, while two $5,000 grants have an extended deadline of December 31, 2025. “These grants are about action – helping Granges respond quickly and creatively to the real, immediate needs they see in their communities,” Hamp said. “We hope they’ll also inspire Granges to leverage this momentum into securing outside funding and forge powerful partnerships that make a lasting impact in their communities.” A wide array of project ideas was submitted, ranging from community gardens and personal education classes to dances, school supply giveaways, and support for a 5K
In This Issue National Grange Awards $40,000 in Rural Life Initiative Grants . . . . . . . . 1
2025 National Grange Contest & Program Deadlines . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Support Grange Youth and Juniors with a Custom Cruise Door Hanger! ...............3 View from the Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Saving a Slice of History . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 7 Things Doctors Wish Families Knew This Back-to-School Season . . . . . . . 7 Your Voice Matters: Help Protect Rural Kidney Patients . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 This National Immunization Awareness Month, Protect Your Health — So You Don’t Miss the Moments That Matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Have you Registered? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 You could be chosen to take part in the closing of National Grange session this November . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Recipes from the Heartland . . . . . . . . 11 Be a Grange or State President in Action! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Grange Benefit: Wyndham Hotels . . 12 Grange Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
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