The Sebastopol Grange awards scholarships to Grange members and their families, and it provides grants to support local school and community programs. The purpose of the scholarship and grant program is to further the Grange’s goals of supporting a healthy environment, sustainable food systems, and community service.
Scholarships and grants are funded from the Grange’s general fund, an annual fundraising dinner, and individual donations.
The Scholarship and Grant Committee will review applications and make applicant and funding recommendations for approval at the Business Meeting, after which funds can be dispersed.
Scholarship and grant applications will be considered twice per year, in fall (applications open July 1) and spring (open January 1). Awards will be announced to the recipient and to the General Meeting in late August and late February. Community and Grange Program Grants will be considered on an ad hoc basis.
The section below sets out who can request a scholarship and for what purposes.
EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS
- Education Scholarships are awarded to Grange members and children of Grangers up to 26 years old, and to members of a sister organization that has an ongoing relationship with the Sebastopol Grange.
- The purpose of these scholarships is to support high school, vocational school, college or university study.
- The total scholarship amount will initially be capped at $1,000 annually, and can be awarded to one or more persons.
- The recipient will be encouraged to return and report about the impact of the scholarship to fellow Grange members at a General Meeting.
- Priority will be given to applicants who have not received a Sebastopol Grange Scholarship in the last two years.
CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS
- The Continuing Education Scholarships are awarded to Grange members to fund an educational class or vocational program that help further the goals of the Grange.
- These scholarships are directed toward the improvement of the skills and knowledge base of the member and our Grange community.
- These scholarships will provide funding of up to $500 per individual.
- The recipient must be willing to return and report about the impact of the scholarship to fellow Grange members at a General Meeting.
- Priority will be given to members who have not received a Sebastopol Grange Scholarship in the last two years.
SCHOOL GRANTS
- The School Grant program is intended to help support local school programs or projects that further the Grange goals.
- These grants will be considered for amounts up to $500.
- The recipient must be willing to return and report about the impact of the grant at a General Meeting.
- Priority will be given to schools that have not received a Grange School Grant grant in the last two years.
COMMUNITY AND GRANGE PROGRAM GRANTS
- These grants are intended to support and fund community initiatives that further the goals of the Grange, and to provide honorarians for formal presentations or programs at Grange General Meetings by experts and professionals.
- The Grange encourages programming at the Grange Hall that engages and benefits Grangers and the community at large.
- These grants shall be in addition to the sponsorship of an event by providing the use of the Grange Hall.
- The amount of each grant shall not exceed $500.
The Sebastopol Grange Education Scholarship Application is open to Youth Grangers and is due by August 15, 2025. Applications will be considered in late August and funds will be awarded early September 2025.
The Continuing Education Scholarships and School Program Grants will be offered on a rolling basis as funds are available. Applications will be considered as they are submitted.