Much of what makes Gleaner what it is today was set in motion more than one hundred years ago when Grant Slocum, a farmer's son, had a vision for a fraternal society that would protect farmers and their families. While our membership has expanded since then to include people from all walks of life, our principles and goals remain the same: to help our members and their communities live better.

Grant Slocum was inspired by the biblical story of Ruth the Gleaner and her words to her mother Naomi: “Entreat me not to leave thee or return from following after thee, for whither thou goest I will go, and where thou lodgest I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” This sentiment reflected Grant's passion for the farmers and their families. He believed that they had strength in numbers and could take care of each other by banding together.

Grant chose prudens futuri as the Gleaner motto, a Latin phrase meaning “thoughtful for the future.” As principles for the new society, he chose Benevolence, Protection and Fraternity. Gleaners would be brought together to help others while protecting their families in every life event.

Throughout the years, Gleaner has continued to grow and add more products and services for its members. On the financial side, assets total over $1 billion dollars, ensuring that our certificates are a secure and sound foundation for any financial plan. Our membership, more than 77,000 strong, is growing every year. And, we continue to be rated one of the top fraternal beneficiary societies in the country.
           
In a recent report from A.M. Best Company, they said:

“The rating of Gleaner Life Insurance Society reflects its strong risk-adjusted capital position, a high quality investment portfolio, well established presence in the fraternal marketplace, steady membership growth and favorable statutory operating performance… Gleaner is one of the oldest fraternal benefit societies in the United States and has a competitive business profile, which is characterized by its growing membership base, diverse fraternal activities, and its life insurance and annuity portfolio... The continued positive operating performance of its life and annuity business and its high quality liquid investment portfolio support Gleaner’s strong financial strength.”

On the fraternal side, Gleaner also claims many successes. The Samaritan program was introduced to Gleaner arbors in 1995. Designed to recognize arbors for the benevolent acts and hours of service they perform, Gleaner gives out "Star Awards" and money to donate based on the number of charitable activities completed. In 2006, arbors earned Star Awards that resulted in more than $120,910 in donations to local charities. Arbors also reported 361,535 volunteer acts and hours within their own communities.

Since 2000, Gleaner has actively participated in JOIN HANDS DAY, a national day of service for fraternal benefit societies that was created by the National Fraternal Congress of America in conjunction with the Points of Light Foundation and the Volunteer Center National Network.

A distinguishing feature of fraternal beneficiary societies that sets us apart from commercial life insurance companies is our membership benefits program. One benefit is the Gleaner Life Insurance Scholarship Foundation. Since 1980, Gleaner has awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships to our top student members. This is just one of the many added-value benefits Gleaner has to offer.

Leading by example is the Gleaner way. As a member of the National Fraternal Congress of America, Gleaner is often asked by other fraternal beneficiary societies to share the secrets of our success. We are happy to be a model for fellow organizations. It is our practice to share ideas and knowledge wherever we can and help our industry prosper. We think Grant would be proud.

For more information about the history of Gleaner Life Insurance Society, you may order a copy of A Major Force For Good: The Continuing History of Gleaner Life Insurance Society, published by Gleaner Life Insurance Society, by contacting Gleaner Communications at communications@gleanerlife.org

1864 – Gleaner founder Grant Slocum is born to a farming family near Holly, Michigan

1888 – Mr. Slocum begins writing the rituals for the Ancient Order of Gleaners

1894 – Gleaner Life Insurance Society is founded and good works begin

1980 – Gleaner scholarships are distributed for the first time to top member students

1991 – Gleaner Life Insurance Scholarship Foundation is incorporated

1993 – Gleaner earns its first A.M. Best Co. rating of “A (Excellent)"

1995 – Samaritan program is introduced to Gleaner arbors as a way to recognize them for the benevolent acts and hours of service they perform

2000 – Gleaner supports JOIN HANDS DAY, the first national day of service for fraternal beneficiary societies

2003 – Gleaner Life Insurance Society passes $1 billion mark in assets

2004 – Record high number of members are active Gleaners: 77,300

2005 – President Michael Wade serves as chair of the National Fraternal Congress, the first Gleaner to do so

2005 – Gleaner members perform more than 253,000 volunteer hours and over 122,000 individual volunteer acts within their communities. Over $178,000 is donated to member communities, and $116,400 is awarded in college scholarships by "Scholarships for Students."