Sherry Harriman, Maine State Grange Master/President 207 490-1029
STATE SESSION
October 30 & 31. Black Bear Inn in Orono. Get your Delegate Credentials and meal orders in. Looking forward to seeing you all there.
THANKS FROM RICHARD
Richard asked me to thank everyone for the cards, calls, prayers, and well wishes while he was in the hospital and rehab after his heart repair. He is doing great and is now home.
DONATIONS AND GRANTS – MAINE GRANGE FOUNDATION
The Maine Grange Foundation, Inc. is held by the State Grange and is used when a group or individual wishes to make a charitable donation to your Grange and have it designated as tax-deductible. The Maine Grange Foundation account is also used when your Grange receives a Grant from another group or organization, and it must go into a 501(c)(3) account; then the Maine Grange Foundation can pass it on to the designated Grange.
Grant funds or donations from another group are made by check to the Maine Grange Foundation, Inc., on behalf of a Subordinate (Community), Pomona (County) or State Grange. Note on the subject line the name and number of the Grange to whom the donation is for and the reason for the grant or donation, such as new kitchen, roof, windows, plumbing, etc.
Send checks to Maine Grange Foundation, Inc., 36 Anthony Ave, Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330. The check will be deposited and held in the Foundation account, noting the Grange name and number it belongs to. After the check clears, a Foundation Officer will withdraw the donation, and we will send a bank check to the appropriate Grange. (The only persons allowed to access the account are designated officers and legal signers of the Maine Grange Foundation, Inc.)
We will return a receipt and tax-deductible form, which includes our specific number, to the contributor; please provide their information and address. If multiple donations are made, we may hold them in the account and send them as one lump sum to the Grange. Please let us know what your preference is in writing.
The Maine State Grange does not provide funds or grants for building repairs, improvements, property upgrades, or paying bills.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
As food and product recalls continue to make headlines, criminals are following suit. They send texts, emails, or other messages claiming that a product you purchased has been recalled and that you’re entitled to a refund or free replacement.
The message may look legitimate, appearing to come from a retailer or manufacturer you trust. It urges you to act quickly and click a link to claim a refund or verify your account. But in reality, the link takes you to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials and personal or financial information.
If you receive a message like this, don’t click. Instead, go directly to the company’s official website or app to verify the recall and check your account. You can also confirm recalls through the Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which maintain lists of recalled products at fda.gov/safety/recalls and cpsc.gov/recalls.
I’m working on a fully updated Communications Handbook to introduce for the 2026-27 Grange year. The business of communication continues to change rapidly, and it’s time to ensure the handbook meets the needs of our Granges and Grangers.
Like it or not, we must embrace technology. Studies show that over 80% of Maine citizens own a smartphone. Device ownership tracks closely with age demographics. In Maine households, roughly 93% of householders aged 15 to 34 own a smartphone, compared to only 49% of householders aged 65 or older.
If we are to remain relevant to our communities, our communication to those communities (and with each other) must also be relevant. We face a real challenge here. Our handbook will attempt to be a relevant resource. (I do love alliteration!) The current handbook shows how to format a press release document. The new handbook will address sending emails.
Relevant Resources
What would be helpful? If you have some thoughts, you can easily comment on this post. (Look to the left and click “Leave a Comment.”) Or, if you’d prefer, email me. My ambitious goal is to have this available at our State Convention in October, so don’t delay!
Communication Tips
We’ve got some, but we want more! What does your Grange do that works? I’m looking for creative ways we communicate internally (among members) and externally (with the public). Again, you can leave a comment or send an email.
The current handbook is available on the site for viewing and downloading: 2025-2026 Communications Handbook. It’s worth a look! And your ideas and tips are worthy considering for the updated version!
For 2026, the Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is inviting organizations, communities, farms, nonprofits, municipalities, and event organizers to submit public fall events for possible inclusion in Maine’s Weekly Foliage Reports.
DACF is looking for more activities that give residents and visitors another reason to get out and experience autumn in Maine, including:
Harvest festivals and agricultural fairs
Farm and food events
Outdoor recreation and nature-based activities
Arts and cultural events
Community festivals and celebrations
Other public events that complement the fall foliage experience
Events should take place during Maine’s fall foliage reporting season, generally mid-September through mid-October, and must be open to the public.
DACF will review events based on timing, location, relevance to the foliage season, and available space. Submitted information may be edited for length, clarity, and style.
The deadline for the September Bulletin is September 14, 2026. Janice and I are traveling in September and I’ll have limited availability–early submissions would be great! Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.
Submitting Events Is Easier
We now have a specific form for submitting events on the site, and it’s being used! You’ll be hearing more about it…
Deadlines
It’s the season of contest deadlines! Many are listed on the Grange Events Calendar. We’re also starting the countdown to State Session. Have you elected delegates and made your plans to attend?
Fair Season Is Upon Us!
Maine has some of the best agricultural fairs in New England. If you want to know more about Maine’s great agricultural fairs, go to the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs website for the latest news and information.
What’s Going On?
Don’t forget to submit your special events and programs for our event calendar! We want people to know the Grange is thriving! Try the new form. We’ve added more months to the online event calendar. You’re planning ahead, right?
To Ponder…
“If people stop going to the circus, the clowns go home.
Seth Godin
An Idea for Your Grange
I recently saw a video of “move-in day” at a college. The students who were already there were lined up holding welcome signs, jumping up and down, reaching out… could the gatekeeper (or greeter, if you prefer) organize something like that at your next event?
Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!
Online Directories Available 24-7
Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!
The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site frequently consult these directories.
The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information. Updated January 16, 2026.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
The aftermath of natural disasters is stressful, overwhelming, and anxiety-provoking. These emotions are what fraud criminals thrive on. They may show up in your neighborhood with a work truck and claim they can help with your damage and ask for payment upfront, only to never return. They may seek to impersonate utility companies, offering quick reconnection for an upfront fee. Or they impersonate FEMA or an insurance adjustor. The common denominator involves paying for something on the spot.
FEMA agents never seek payment when providing post-disaster support. As tempting as it may be to cut to the front of the line on getting your electricity back or make a deal with a construction company right away, give yourself time to pause and think about the scenario before committing.
With the disclaimer that I’m not a tax expert, I’m pleased to offer some general information regarding nonprofits, charities, and 501(c)3 status in response to a few recent questions. These are distinctions you need to understand, how they apply to the Grange, and here’s why creating your own foundation probably isn’t the simple solution you might imagine.
I’m also president of a Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization (not affiliated with the Grange) that is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. I have some experience and familiarity with the topic.
Frankly, this topic gets complicated quickly. We start with some vocabulary. A nonprofit is not the same as a 501(c)(3) charity. All 501(c)(3) charities are nonprofits, but not all nonprofits are charities. Nonprofits also include social clubs, trade associations, and chambers of commerce.
Nonprofits are broad legal entities that pursue a mission without distributing profits. They are created under state law. The Grange is a nonprofit, but it does not qualify for 501(c) (3) status.
501(c)(3) status may be granted to charities by the IRS at the federal level. It means the organization is free (exempt) from paying federal income taxes. People who give money to these organizations can deduct those gifts from their own taxes. (There are limitations.)
An organization must meet strict requirements to be granted 501(c)(3) status. One important requirement is that the organization’s mission must be primarily charitable. Trying to change laws (lobbying) cannot be a main part of what the group does. Given the Grange’s legislative efforts, we do not meet the requirements.
Because we do often engage in charitable work, National Grange and some state Granges have established organizations that are separate and distinct from the Grange itself. The Maine Grange Foundation was set up primarily to allow for grants and tax-deductible donations. Both the Maine State Grange and National Grange Foundations allow for certain “pass-through” donations.
In other words, if someone wanted to donate money to a subordinate Grange in Maine, they might be able to donate to the Maine Grange Foundation (MGF). Because the MGF is a 501(c)(3) charity, the donor would be eligible for a tax deduction, and the MGF would pass the money along to the subordinate Grange.
Similarly, if a subordinate Grange learned of a grant that would help preserve its hall or certain programs, it might discover that eligibility requires 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. In that case, the subordinate Grange might be able to apply using the MGF as the recipient.
A question that often arises is “Would it make sense for our subordinate Grange to follow the example of national and state by setting up a separate foundation or organization?” The answer requires understanding the requirements. There is considerable paperwork, including filing fees and accounting costs. In addition, annual fees, including required audits, mean the idea is usually not practical or cost-effective for a single subordinate Grange.
If you are interested in exploring this further, some resources follow.
Resources Specific to Maine
Maine Philanthropy Center (MPC) is a membership organization for funders, nonprofits, and consultants that works to make philanthropy more effective and equitable by building relationships, providing valuable tools and resources, and creating opportunities to learn and move our sector forward.
Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP) is a primary statewide network for the sector. They offer startup guides, toolkits, training webinars, and a business directory to find local attorneys and consultants specializing in tax-exempt
A somewhat dated video explores the creation of The Maine Grange Foundation (a 501(c)(3)) and how subordinate/community Granges can use it. Unfortunately, the Amazon Smiles program has been discontinued, but the included conversation about fundraising should be interesting!
The Foundation Group
Foundation Group provides nationwide nonprofit services ranging from starting a nonprofit to ensuring compliance with IRS and state regulations. Specific resources within the group include:
What is a 501(c)3? is an excellent article by the Foundation Group that overviews the various types of charitable organizations. It is extremely thorough but also an easy read.
Caroline Kleabean is a good starting contact at the Foundation Group. Her direct line is 407 274-9227.
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.
Having money stolen from you in a scam can be devastating. Unfortunately, scammers know that victims are often eager to recover their money, and they use that hope to strike again.
In what’s known as a recovery scam, criminals pose as government officials, private investigators, or “recovery experts” who claim they can help get your money back. They may contact you through emails, texts, social media, or websites that look legitimate. But instead of helping, they’re trying to steal more of your money or personal information. Experts believe this could become the most common scam of the year.
You may wonder how victims are targeted following a fraud experience. Sometimes, it’s the same organized crime ring coming back to steal more under a different set of lies. We also know that criminals create and sell lead lists among each other, and that victims show up on those lists as hot targets for revictimizing. Protecting yourself after a fraud experience requires extra caution. Ignore any unsolicited offers to get your money back, as much as you want to believe it’s possible
August is the beginning of our late-summer months before our State Grange Convention in October.
I am reminding all Secretaries that Resolutions to be considered at our Annual Convention must be received at State Grange Headquarters postmarked no later than August 15th.
Updated State Grange Banquet information will arrive in August, with a return date no later than October 10, 2026.
The delegates representing your Grange must be elected at a regular Grange meeting. The delegate credential may be mailed (preferably) to me prior to State Session or brought to State Session in October. Remember that your September Quarterly dues must be in the office prior to October 15th in order for your Grange to have representation at State Session.
The Maine State Grange currently has 72 active Community/Subordinate Granges. I have received 67 June quarterly reports. There are still five outstanding June quarterly reports, and I have notified them of the lateness of their reports. As you can see, it is very hard for me to provide the National Grange with an accurate membership count for the State of Maine when I don’t have that information. My report must be at National Grange no later than August 31, 2026.
I also need the Pomona annual reports. I have received three out of the 12 remaining Pomonas. I am also notifying the Pomona secretary that the annual report is now overdue.
You may also receive notification from the IRS regarding the filing of your 990N. Please do not respond to this letter. I have finished filing the 990N’s with the IRS.
The role of a Grange secretary is vital to the success of your Grange. As the keeper of records and administrative backbone, a secretary ensures that meetings run smoothly and that members remain informed.
A Grange secretary is responsible for keeping precise minutes of meetings, recording membership details, and preserving historical documents.
Clear and timely communication with Grange members, officers, and committees is essential. Sending out meeting notices, reminders, and reports ensures that everyone stays informed.
The secretary is responsible for preparing and submitting Quarterly reports to the State Grange on time. (September 30th, December 31st , March 31st and June 30th ) Your report will not be considered late if it is postmarked on or before the 10th of the month following the quarter in which it is due. Remember that there is a $5.00 late fee to be included with such a report if it is postmarked after the 10th. It is extremely important that you keep the State Grange informed of any changes in membership, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
As your State Secretary, I appreciate your dedication to being secretary in your Community/Subordinate and Pomona Granges.
Have a safe and enjoyable remainder of the summer season, and I will see you all soon.
