Looking for Recipes for Success in the Grange

 Community Service, Fund Raising, Grange News  No Responses »
Jun 142013
 

figure_help_wanted_400_clr_2561The National Grange Communications Department seeks to gather information to create a “Recipes for Success in the Grange: A Resource Guide” 3-ring style notebook that includes information on proven lecturer’s programs, membership recruitment efforts, fundraising, advocacy, media attention and other efforts.

We hope to produce this volume by the 2013 convention and have it available as a resource for every Grange at every level. Grantham Grange in NC is the only Grange thus far to submit a “recipe” but we hope to have at least a dozen in each category before SEPTEMBER 15, 2013!

Please identify successful programs that can be submitted for inclusion. The department is happy to answer questions or assist in the production of recipes. Please send any concerns or questions to Communications Director Amanda Leigh Brozana at abrozanaatnationalgrangedotorg  (abrozanaatnationalgrangedotorg)  .

These will be written as recipes, as the name of the book implies.

  • Each recipes should consist of at least the following:
    Name of Project
  • Type of Project (fundraiser; advocacy effort; membership effort,   etc.)
  • Grange Name, State, Number
  • Submitted By
  • # of People: (a range is fine)
  • $ Required: (again, a range is fine)
  • Other Resources Required (Ingredients):
  • Time Required:
  • Skills   Necessary:
  • Mix: (This   should be about 200-500 words and tell – as a recipe does – the steps of the   process from brainstorming to completion)
  • Notes/Hints:   (here is where you can put information like “if you try this project, it   may be best to invite a State Deputy” or “You may have to learn   about different types of insurance in your area for such an event” or   whatever)
  • Yield:

I look forward to beginning to gather these. I hope to have several from every state. I believe there is something positive happening in every Grange across our country and it’s time to showcase our efforts!

Please send all submissions to  abrozanaatnationalgrangedotorg  (abrozanaatnationalgrangedotorg)  . Submissions can come with digital photos (in fact, we encourage it) or links to websites that showcase the Grange in action.  ALSO: If you are citing a fundraiser by an outside company/vendor, please include their website.

Again, if you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to email them to our Department.

Thank you!

Amanda Leigh Brozana
Communications Director

 

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Pop Up Banner Available!

 Fund Raising, Publicity Posts  No Responses »
Mar 192013
 

Deluxe Retractable Banner On Sale for $175  now through March 31st 

 These stands are easy to transport and simple to set up. Standing at 80 inches tall and 31 inches wide they are a great way to make a big impact without the worry of hanging banners. Perfect for community/fair booths, open houses and fundraisers. In an effort to create consistent branding the National Grange will work with you to create a design that fits your Grange’s needs.

Sale has been extended: Inform the National Grange Communication Department about interest in purchasing a banner by March 31, approve design by April 15 for order.

 Interested? Contact Amanda Leigh Brozana  (abrozanaatnationalgrangedotorg)   

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Community Matters More

 Fund Raising  No Responses »
Mar 022013
 

The Bangor Savings Bank 2013 Community Matters More voting began January 28th and will end March 11th. Winners will be announced in early April. We earlier noted that as a matter of policy, we wouldn’t promote individual Granges and organizations on this site. One reason for this is to avoid “wasted” votes for organizations that do not qualify.

Steve Verrill of Excelsior Grange has suggested, however, that we might consider write-in votes for the Maine Grange Foundation, a registered 501(3)(c) that should qualify based on the write-in guidelines. You can vote for three organizations. To vote, visit Community Matters More or stop by any of our 56 branches statewide. My suggestion is to add the Maine Grange Foundation to the Central Region where headquarters is located.

Again this year, a total of 68 grants will be awarded to the organizations listed on the ballot and to the top 20 write-in recipients. The organizations in each of the eight regions (including write-ins) that get the most votes will receive $5,000 each. The remaining 60 organizations will each receive $1,000.

A complete list of voting guidelines and eligibility requirements for write-in nominations are available at www.bangor.com/cmm.

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Bangor Savings Bank Foundation Grants

 Community Service, Fund Raising, Web Site Information  No Responses »
Jan 262013
 

Bangor Savings Bank has once again announced their “Community Matters More” grant-making initiative. This annual program allows the community to assist by deciding how to best distribute $100,000 and always generates a great deal of interest and activity! Following are some additional details regarding the program based on a recent press release.

The 2013 Community Matters More voting begins January 28th and runs for six weeks, ending March 11th. Winners will be announced in early April.

Again this year, a total of 68 grants will be awarded to the organizations listed on the ballot and to the top 20 write-in recipients. The organizations in each of the eight regions (including write-ins) that get the most votes will receive $5,000 each. The remaining 60 organizations will each receive $1,000.

To vote for your favorite nonprofits, visit Community Matters More or stop by any of our 56 branches statewide.

A complete list of voting guidelines and eligibility requirements for write-in nominations are available at www.bangor.com/cmm.

We are proud that Community Matters More is now in its seventh year. The success of this annual initiative is made possible because of the commitment Mainers have to their communities and the important role nonprofits play in our state.

As Maine’s largest independent bank, Bangor Savings Bank is committed to being a strong community partner and a good neighbor throughout Maine. We need your help to make Community Matters More a success in 2013.

Webmaster’s note: Please review the voting guidelines and eligibility requirements for write-in nominations and note the requirement that any write-in candidates must be registered as a 501(3)(c). In the past I’ve received numerous last-minute requests to post support for individual Granges and/or specific causes with write-in votes. While we are more than happy to make this information about the program available, such requests cannot be granted as a matter of policy. Thanks for understanding!

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Grants Available for Non-Profits

 Fund Raising  No Responses »
Jan 132013
 

Webmaster’s Note: Thanks to our local newspaper, The Eastern Gazette, for an article announcing these grants are available in local counties… a quick look at the resource website suggests grants are available state-wide.

Nonprofit organizations seeking funding for projects that “draw on the strengths of the community and foster collaboration” are encouraged to research the grants available as part of the Maine Community Foundation’s Community Building Grant Program. Mostly organized by county, a committee of local residents makes recommendations for what projects get funded in each county.  Visit the Maine Community Foundation website for more information–there is plenty of information available about the process and how to apply. Note that the deadline for application is February 15, 2013 but this is an ongoing program. There will likely be another opportunity in the fall. Grant application writing is not for the faint of heart, so you might want to start now!

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Halcyon Grange Helps Farmer

 Agriculture, Fund Raising  No Responses »
Oct 022012
 

Submitted by John Tyler, Overseer

Halcyon Grange held a very sucessfull benefit dinner September 23 for one of our oldest members, Kendall Howard, who at age 83 is facing financial hardship and potential loss of his farm. We raised over $1400 and several members have assisted in necessary farm chores and assistance with financial re-organization.

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Office Depot Discount Program

 Fund Raising  No Responses »
Apr 092012
 

Thanks to Vicki Huff for bringing this to our attention…

The National Grange has recently arranged for a discount shopping club with Office Depot. There is no cost to join and a portion of the proceeds from each sale benefits National Grange Programs.

As far as I know, there are no stores in Maine so I checked the online component and would say the prices are at least competitive–plus they are the only office supply provider that makes the tiny binder clips I love so much! The site is very user friendly and it’s easy to find things! You do need to register, but it’s not hard! Check out the program at http://natg.ctcshares.com.

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“Letter to the Editor”

 Community Service, Fund Raising  No Responses »
Feb 212012
 

The following letter appeared in the Village Soup and the Courier-Gazette

To the editor:

I have been involved with several fund raising events in St George and feel compelled to let it be known that the people of St George are among the most generous and giving of Americans. Whether it is to help with bills for a family with a sick, injured or deceased relative, neighbor or friend or to provide food or clothes for the needy or, as we see now, providing funds for heating assistance, the people of St George always come through. The Ocean View Grange in Martinsville, has been collecting donations and paying fuel bills for several years. This year is no different. Many of those who help with donations are certainly not wealthy and give whatever they can. When you hear from someone that Americans don’t care about each other or are not willing to help those who need it, tell them they must not have heard of the little town of St George, Maine.

Thanks to all of you who have stepped up and helped over the years.

 Larry Bailey
 Port Clyde, Maine
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Low Budget 12 Days of Christmas

 Fund Raising, Grange News  No Responses »
Dec 192011
 

Bangor Grange, under the direction of Pam Martin, performs a very low budget version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” This performance capped off a full day that included breakfast with Santa to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

 

If you are unable to view the video within this post, go to: http://youtu.be/KpdhezKa3ss

 

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Grant Writing Information Needed!

 Fund Raising  3 Responses »
Dec 142011
 

Enterprise Grange #48 reports they’ve had some opportunties for grants, but have been a bit overwhelmed by the process–including how to handle the requirement of having and proving 501(c) status.  So we’re posting a question–have any other granges had grant writing experience?–and asking for some help.

One can hardly read a newspaper without seeing a story about some organization receiving a grant–for things ranging from planting trees to renovating buildings. Given the financial condition of most granges and the growing building maintenance issues, this would seem to be an area of opportunity!

If you have any interest or experience, how about posting a comment here–or contacting Marilyn directly  (beedlehillatroadrunnerdotcom)  ?

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