Patrons of Husbandry – a website dedicated to the Granges located in Maine
The Maine State Grange Office is located at
36 Anthony Avenue, Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330
The office is open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9:30 am until 1:30 pm
The email address is mainestategrange@gmail.com.
For website matters, email webmaster@mainestategrange.org.
By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director
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.
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!
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:
Thanks to Kathy Ward (Winthrop Grange) and Tracey Alsop (East Madison Grange) for using the new Grange event submission form! This form was designed to make everyone’s life a lot simpler and capture all the information! We use that information to create a simple advertisement for your event.
This ad (post) reaches a wide audience through search criteria and regular site visitors. Site visitors can also easily share the post on social media and by email using the buttons at the bottom of the post.
The MSG Event Calendar includes a short summary of the event that links to the post.
The Maine State Grange Communications Department (of one) focuses on the Granges in Maine, proving that the Grange is alive and thriving in Maine! Submit your news and events today!
East Madison Grange #228 Food Project giveaway day will be Friday, August 28, 2026, from 10 am-11:30 am at the East Madison Grange. One box per family. Come early, as supplies are limited.
All are welcome!
East Madison Grange is located at 15 Grange Road.
Additional information is available at the East Madison Food Project Page.
As students, parents and teachers are all gearing up for the start of another school year, it is a good time to remember to keep an eye out for students walking to and from school and students getting on and off school buses.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are generally one of the safest vehicles on the road; however, the risk is greatest when children are approaching or leaving a school bus.
Keep in mind these simple rules:
On September 12, Winthrop Grange will host a Baked Bean Supper from 4 pm until 6 pm. Cost is $12 per adult.
Winthrop Grange is located at 549 Old Lewiston Road in Winthrop, Maine.
For more information, contact Kathy Ward at 207 500-9864.
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
Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
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Please keep Richard Harriman, past State Steward, in your thoughts and prayers as he recovers from difficult heart surgery to repair blockages in an older bypass. He would appreciate words of encouragement.
Richard Harriman
280 Kennebunk Road
Sanford, ME 04073
By Sharon Morton, MSG Secretary
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.
This article was written by Paula Roberts for The Lincoln County News and is used with permission.
The Town of Jefferson’s Spirit of America was presented to Lindsey Jones at Willow Grange on Thursday, July 23. Grange president Sharon Morton presented the award.
Jones has been a Girl Scout leader for five years. She started Troop 1336 in Jefferson in 2021. She is also a member of the Midcoast Service Unit, through which she has taken leadership in organizing Girl Scout camping events at Wavus and Kieve. Ther Service Unit also organizes events such as the annual cookie rallies.
She has been on the Jefferson PTA for 15 years, serving as president for the past five years. Previously she served as secretary for five years. She plays a big hand in organizing Jefferson Village School’s annual Jubilee, a fundraiser for student programs.
She has been active in Jefferson Sports Association, where she coached both soccer and basketball when her children were younger.
She is an 18-year member of Whitefield Lions Club and is active in working at their food booth at Windsor Fair.
Several Girl Scouts were in attendance and recited the Girl Scout Promise and Law which echo many of the characteristics of a volunteer.
Two members of Willow Grange were recognized for their years of service to the Grange, Sandee Gordon – 65 years and Bob Clark – 75 years. Neither were able to be present.