The National Grange is doubling down on its commitment to revitalizing rural communities with the launch of two new competitive grant opportunities through the Rural Life Initiative.
On June 24, during the “GPS to Success” webinar, National Grange President Christine Hamp announced the launch of two new grant opportunities as part of the expansion of the Rural Life Initiative (RLI), a program designed in partnership with Grange Advocacy to strengthen rural communities through health, wellness, agriculture, and community projects and events.
If you missed the webinar, it is available to watch on the National Grange YouTube channel.
Following the 2024 successes of programs in seven pilot states and nearly 25 Granges that received mini-grants for holiday events, the National Grange is expanding the RLI program and eligibility for all Granges.
Successful examples of past projects include senior fitness classes, building Grange awareness at a community zucchini race event, vaccination and wellness clinics, a cancer research fundraising 5K, and more.
The grant opportunities are as follows:
$1,000 Summer Grants (30 available)
- Projects must be completed and report submitted by September 30, 2025
- Applications reviewed as received. Must apply by July 31, 2025.
$5,000 Long-Term Grants (2 available)
- Projects must be completed and report submitted by December 31, 2025
- Applications are due by July 31, 2025, with notification of grant winners on August 8, 2025.
Both grant opportunities are open to either local or State Granges.
While the main grant amounts are fixed, there are additional incentives available for completing projects and submitting reports on time, and for each new member gained through your project.
What are the grant requirements?
Because RLI aims to build stronger communities across the country, there are three main components to the grants:
- You must include at least one partner organization beyond your Grange.
- You must submit a current membership list with the application proposal.
- You have the flexibility to choose topics based on local needs, but:
- Projects cannot involve building improvements or equipment purchases. Projects must focus on recruiting and engaging new members.
- Projects must connect to at least one Project Sustenance pillar (Food Security, Community and personal resilience, Self-sustainability) Tip: Watch the Introducing Project Sustenance webinar for more information on these topics.
“We are excited to see what Granges will create for their communities,” said Hamp. “The flexibility of this grant cycle encourages Granges to truly think outside of the box and the Grange ‘norms.’ I look forward to seeing the dynamic events and powerful programs that this grant helps make possible.”
During the June 24 webinar, presenters Beth Westbrook and Nona Bear offered guidance on how local Granges can apply for these grants, develop project ideas that align with the program’s mission, and measure community impact. Participants were encouraged to think creatively and collaboratively in identifying rural needs and proposing solutions.
The tips and tricks presented also encouraged Granges to go after other community-based grants, always aiming for success.
“These grants are about investing in the people, traditions, and future of rural America,” said webinar leader Beth Westbrook, a member of the Grange Advocacy Board of Directors. “By empowering Granges to take action on local priorities—from health to heritage—we’re building stronger, more connected communities.”
To watch the full announcement, visit the National Grange YouTube channel and view the full grant requirements and submit your applications at the Rural Life Initiative page on the National Grange website.
