Spreading and sharing the love of gardening
Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation is a nonprofit organization in a collaborative agreement with WSU Extension. Foundation members are Master Gardeners who voluntarily choose to join. The purpose of the organization is to raise funds to supplement and enhance the mission of WSU Jefferson County Extension in educating the community with sustainable, research-based horticultural information. The organization also facilitates the exchange of ideas and information between members and the community through periodic newsletters, meetings and ongoing educational activities.
The Foundation raises funds to support agricultural and sustainability efforts throughout East Jefferson County along with grants for schools and other non-profits to develop and enhance food growing programs.
Supporting horticultural and environmental programs
Jefferson County MG Foundation
We are a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises funds to support the Extension Master Gardener Program, and to meet the needs of Jefferson County communities through its grants program.
Master Gardeners deliver horticultural and environmental stewardship education throughout the State of Washington. Our educational programs are developed and maintained by Washington State University, which trains all our volunteers. In addition, we partner with our statewide foundation to fund and deliver the programs throughout the state.
WSU Jefferson County Extension
WSU Extension offices coordinate the Master Gardener program, train volunteers in research-based best practices, and provide the educational resources for public outreach and environmental advocacy throughout Washington state.
The Master Gardener program promotes educational outreach and community engagement through its demonstration gardens, educational workshops, and youth programs. These programs require public support. Master Gardener foundations provide that financial support through donations and fundraising campaigns to ensure our programs will continue to thrive.
The State Foundation
Our State Foundation focuses on three things:
- Providing financial and logistical support to our annual Advanced Education Conference so that we can continually improve the horticultural education of Master Gardeners throughout Washington.
- Nurturing statewide leadership, communication and collaboration amongst our dozens of local chapters, representing all 39 Washington counties, and to promote best practices in both fundraising and foundation management.
- Working in concert with WSU Extension to magnify the benefits of Master Gardener programs in all counties and regions of Washington state and across the U.S.