Massachusetts State Grange
The Home and Community Service department of the Massachusetts State Grange encourages local Granges to engage in their local communities. The department provides resources to local Granges and judges of local Granges' annual community service reports. The Committee also sponsors annual needlework and baking contests to allow individuals to show off their skills in these areas, and oversees the Grange Recognition award program and State Grange Hearing Aid Fund.
The sections below provide information on each of these programs.
Community Service Projects
Through community service, a Grange becomes a relevant, caring and involved part of its community. Community service is an important part of the Grange. Grange members make their community a better place to live and work by working together to meet a community need, while strengthening the Grange itself.
Individual Granges determine their own service projects based on the needs of their local community. The Grange welcomes anyone who is interested in working together to serve their community to join us, assist with existing projects, and help develop and launch new projects to improve our towns and cities.
Find your local Grange to learn more about their work or help us create a new Grange in your community.
Granges looking for ideas for community service projects can download the Community Service suggestions document.
Grange Community Service Reports
All Granges are asked to report projects they have undertaken and success they have achieved. Report forms, including detailed instructions, can be downloaded below. Use the "Short Form" if you do not wish to have your report judged. Reports are due by September 15th each year.
Reports are judged annually and prizes are awarded. Prize money is made available by National Grange. First Prize receives $100, Second Prize receives $75, Third Prize receives $50, and Fourth Prize receives $25.
Reports should include, but are not restricted to, the following details for each project. Information included should be for the full year (September 1 - August 31).
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How and why was the project selected?
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What was the project and what successes were achieved?
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How did the community benefit from the project?
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How many Grange members participated in the project?
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How many volunteer hours were worked by Grange members?
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How did other organizations or non-Grangers work on your project?
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How did your Grange gain visibility/publicity through this project?
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What is the total of donations made to the community?
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What is the total of donations made to Grange appeals/projects?
Needlework Contest
Needlework and craft contests give individuals an opportunity to show off their skills and win prizes. Grange members and non-members are both eligible to enter the contest.
The Needlework Contest is judged in four age groups. Age is determined as of January 1st of the current year.
Group A: Ages 5-8 (Junior Contest)
Group B: Ages 9-13* (Junior Contest)
Group C: Ages 14-19 (Adult Contest)
Group D: Ages 20 and over (Adult Contest)
*Junior members over 13 are eligible to enter the Junior contest in Group B
Needlework Contest General Rules
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Grange members and non-members may enter. State Grange Home and Community Service committee members may not enter.
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Professional needlework designers or teachers or anyone earning their living in a needlework-related field may not enter.
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Asterisk (*) denotes items for New England Needlework Contest at the Big E. The first-place winners in these categories go to regional judging and be displayed in the New England Grange Building during the Big E in West Springfield.
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The New England Needlework Contest categories and rules are subject to change yearly. Contact a committee member for a copy of the latest contest brochure (it should be available at State Session).
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Size requirements (if any) will be provided in the New England Needlework Contest brochure.
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A contestant may submit only ONE ITEM PER CLASS.
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Work must be entirely that of the contestant.
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Entries must have been completed within the contest year (August 1-July 31).
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Each entry must have a completed Official Entry Form (linked below) for the Needlework Contest, place your entry in a plastic bag, and attach the form with a safety pin.
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Judging will take place in August or September. Date and location will be announced each year.
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Contestants permit the Massachusetts State Grange to use photos and names for publicity.
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The judges’ decision is final.
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Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st , 2nd, and 3rd place in each class or category.
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First place winning entries in the New England Needlework Contest will go on to the Big E and will not be returned until the end of State Grange Session.
Needlework Contest Entry Classes
A. *AFGHAN: An afghan may be made using any yarn product. It can be any pattern, and it may be
knitted, crocheted, woven, etc. (Min. width 45 inches and max 60 inches Min. length 60 inches and
max 75 inches.
B. *DOILIES: May be knitted, crocheted, or tatted. May use any thread suitable to article. May be any
pattern or design (Max. size 18x18 inches).
C. *EMBROIDERY: Any embroidered item except counted Cross Stitch. Any embroidery thread may
be used. (Back of work must be visible.)
D. *3 PIECE BABY SET: May consist of a sweater plus, booties, skirt, mittens, or pants to make a 3-
piece suit. May be knitted or crocheted using any suitable pattern and product.
E. *PLASTIC CANVAS: Any item made with any pattern using yarn or thread.
F. *COUNTED CROSS STITCH: Any item using any thread product. NOTE: The back of the work
MUST be seen on all embroidered pieces. Pictures may be on stretcher strips or may be framed
and/or matted, BUT NO GLASS.
G. *ADULT GARMENT: Entry may be knitted or crocheted using any pattern and any suitable product.
A garment is something worn on the body, sweater, dress, cape, poncho, vest, etc. Items not
covered in this class, such as hats/caps, mittens/gloves, scarves, socks, collar, belt, etc., are
considered accessories.
H. *LATCH HOOK: Any item made with any pattern, using any yarn. The width must be a min of 18
inches and max of 24 inches and with a max length of 45 inches. Project must be finished (including
back). If a project is to be hung, it must have a sleeve on the back for hanging.
I. *QUILTED WALL HANGING: Piece may be hand or machine quilted, no bigger than 36x36 inches
and any product may be used for filler. If it is hung, add a sleeve on the back.
J. *STUFFED TOY: Toy may be knitted, crocheted, stitched, etc. May be stuffed with any product (i.e.
fiber-fills). Toys must be child safe.
K. *BABY AFGHAN: Baby afghan may be knitted, crocheted, woven, etc. and must appear suitable for
a baby - choice of color, selection of yarn product, etc. suitable for a baby. Max size 35x40 inches.
L. *CHILD OR ADULT GARMENT SEWN: Entry must be a sewn garment for a child or adult using
your own design or a pattern and use a suitable product for age. Must be completely finished and
must state size. A garment is something worn on the body (i.e. jacket, dress, skirt, slacks, shirt,
cape, poncho, or vest.)
M. Miscellaneous/Other: Any other needlework not included in above categories.
Craft Contest
Handmade Through History – Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary
In honor of America’s 250th Anniversary: Special Historic-Themed Craft Contest!
This year, everyone will create the same craft item, but with their own unique reflection on early American life. To bring your piece to life, we encourage you to include a mini history card with your entry. This can be a short story, historical fact, or personal reflection, such as: "I created this Liberty Bell Wreath to honor the spirit of 1776, when families looked to symbols of unity, courage, and the hope of a free nation."
Your card will offer a window into the past and help others appreciate the traditions behind your handmade creation. Participation is optional, but we hope you’ll join us in crafting a little piece of history together! Selected entries and their stories will be featured in the State Grange News, celebrating your craftsmanship and the rich history behind it.
Craft Contest 2027
Adult Categories:
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Patriot Tin Punch Craft
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Colonial Candle Making
Junior categories:
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Craft Stick American Flag
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Patriot Wind Chimes
*** Quilt Block Entry Guidelines
Each participant may submit one (1) quilt block (12½" x 12½" unfinished) for judging. Blocks must be made of 100% cotton and should not be quilted or finished. Submitted blocks will not be returned, as they will be used to create a quilt to be raffled at a future Grange event. If you choose to submit more than one block, please clearly label the block you would like to be judged. Only one block per participant will be judged. You are also welcome to donate additional blocks to the Massachusetts State Grange for use in the raffle quilt. There is no limit to the number of blocks you may donate.
Bake-Off Contest
A Taste of History - Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary:
This year, everyone will bake the same recipe, but with a twist! We invite you to connect your baked item to history by including a mini history card with your entry. This card can be a short story, fun fact, or historical tidbit about how your version of the recipe might have been made or enjoyed in the 1700s or early 1800s. For example: “This sweetbread was a favorite of early settlers in the Appalachian Mountains.”
While everyone bakes the same item, your mini history card will showcase your unique historical inspiration. It’s completely optional, but we encourage you to share a slice of history! Selected entries and their stories will be featured in the State Grange News, highlighting the rich diversity behind one shared recipe.
The contest will be judged in four age groups. Age is determined as of January 1st of the current year.
Group A Ages 5-8 (Junior Contest)
Group B Ages 9-13* (Junior Contest)
Group C Ages 14-19 (Adult Contest)
Group D Ages 20 and over (Adult Contest)
*Junior members over 13 are eligible to enter the Junior contest in Group B
Bake-Off Contest General Rules
Each entry must have an Official Entry Form and Identification Label attached to the bottom.
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This contest is open to both Grange members and non-members. Home and Community Service Committee members may not enter.
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The contest location, date, and time will be announced each year.
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No package mixes are allowed.
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Each entry must include the complete recipe, list all ingredients and instructions, and highlight any local ingredients used.
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Please send or bring your items to be judged in disposable containers or on a disposable plate covered with a plastic bag or wrap.
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All items will be auctioned off at the end of the contest unless otherwise requested.
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All proceeds from the auction will be donated to Grange projects.
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Contestants permit the Massachusetts State Grange to use photos, name, and recipe for publicity.
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The judges’ decision is final.
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Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st , 2nd, and 3rd place in each class and category.
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A contestant may enter only one item per class.
Bake-Off 2027
Adult Categories
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(7) Colonial Gingerbread Cookies
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Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (maximum size 9x13)
Junior Categories
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(7) Honey Cake Cookies
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(7) Shrewsbury Cake Cookies (a.k.a. Colonial Cookies)
Grange Recognition Award
The Grange Recognition Award is an annual honor administered by the Massachusetts State Grange Home & Community Service Committee. It recognizes individuals in the community who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication in their professional and volunteer roles.
Nominees may be in law enforcement, firefighting, EMT services, or education at any level, and are evaluated on their professional contributions, community involvement, volunteer activities, special recognitions, and any situations where they went above and beyond.
Nominations are due by September 15.
Hearing Aid Fund
The Hearing Aid Fund assists Grange members with the cost of purchasing hearing aids. Managed by the Home & Community Service Committee, the fund provides reimbursement of up to $200, depending on available funds and the number of applicants. Members can only be reimbursed for one hearing aid at a time and are not eligible for a new reimbursement for five years after receiving funds.
To apply, members must be in good standing, submit a bill and proof of payment, and submit their application by the August 15 deadline. The Committee reviews applications, confirms membership, checks available funds, and submits vouchers for approval and payment in September.
Contact the Committee
If you have any questions regarding the programs and contests on this page, please contact a member of the Home and Community Service Committee: