The Grange Foundation has named Shae Smith of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, as the recipient of the 2025 Ernestine Keiser Memorial Scholarship. Smith, a nursing major at Harrisburg Area Community College, is a member of Elizabethtown Grange #2076 and currently serves as a National Grange Youth Ambassador.
“Shae Smith exemplifies the heart, leadership and service that the Ernestine Keiser Memorial Scholarship was established to honor,” said John Benedik, chairman of the Grange Foundation Board of Trustees. “Her work as a youth mentor, her dedication to the Grange, and her aspirations in healthcare make her a remarkable role model for young people in our organization and beyond.”
Smith credits her involvement with the Grange in helping her find her voice and develop leadership skills. In her scholarship essay, Smith reflected on her transformation from a quiet 15-year-old to a confident advocate for youth engagement and inclusion within the Grange.
“I knew that I did not want to feel small for the rest of my life,” she wrote. “I have been able to guide others, provide insight, and be a safe person that others look up to.”
The Grange Foundation supports youth development, promotes agriculture education and research, improves communities, and fosters culture, heritage, citizenship and charitable activities.
The Grange Foundation was formed in 1964 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity. The Foundation is directed by a Board of Trustees comprosed of those who serve as members of the National Grange Executive Committee. In addition, there is an Advisory Board that assists with many of the volunteer leadership responsibilities. There are a number of dedicated funds (the income and principal may be spent for the dedicated purpose only) and a restricted fund (only the income may be spent for the dedicated purpose) currently administered by the Foundation. The dedicated funds are Deaf Awareness, Youth Leadership, Junior Grange, Community & Leadership, American Arts & Culture, Communication Fellows, G.R.O.W Club, SHIPmates Fund, Lecturer’s Fund, and 1, in 1,000 Club. The Endowment Fund is restricted.
During our time as the National Outstanding Young Patrons we were able to travel the country and meet Grangers all over who have different backgrounds and Grange experiences. Now that our oldest has joined the Junior Grange I hope she has the same ex...
Jen and Rob Beamon
The National Grange Foundation provided the financial support to enable me, and the entire youth team, to travel to regional and national events so we could lead workshops and inspire our peers to seek greater opportunities for personal growth.
Michael Martin
I was very fortunate to have been on the receiving end of the Grange Youth Fund multiple times in the ‘80s and early ‘90s. These funds allowed me to travel from Washington State to New England and the Midwest as well as to the Nation's Capitol
Chris Hamp
The Grange Foundation awarded me a scholarship to go to Washington D.C. for their Legislative Experience. There, I was able to experience our nation’s capital and I learned so much about how our country works.
Emily Cabbage
The John Trimble Legislative Experience was an excellent opportunity to see from both in committee and on the floor of the national session how Grange policy is made and handled and how much it differs from the state level.
Leroy Squire
TracFone appreciates the work the Grange members do for isolated, disabled and underprivileged citizens in rural and small towns across the nation. We know the work you do helps millions of Americans lead better lives.
TracFone
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Yes. All contributions to any Grange Foundation fund is a tax-deductible donation and can be included on your tax return for the year your donation was given. A donation letter will be sent to you after your donation has been made.