Frequently Asked Questions
San Juan County Master Gardener Foundation
What is the San Juan County Master Gardener Foundation?
The San Juan County Master Gardener Foundation (SJCMGF) is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to raise funds to support the San Juan County Master Gardener Program of Washington State University (WSU). The Foundation is a separate and distinct organization from the Master Gardener Program.
Why was the Foundation formed?
The Foundation was formed in 2002 to organize the Fall Gardening Workshop because Washington State University (WSU) regulations prevented the Master Gardener Program from charging fees for the workshop. The Foundation evolved from a relatively informal organization to a dependent chapter of the Washington State Master Gardener Foundation in 2009, and finally to an independent IRS 501(c)(3) registered non-profit and incorporated in Washington State in 2014. The Foundation non-profit status allows us to accept donations and not charge sales tax. These changes occurred as we made more money through programs and donations. Bylaws were updated and approved in 2014.
Who can be a Foundation member?
Active Master Gardeners, current year trainees, Master Gardeners emeritus, WSU Cooperative Extension staff, and other persons who enrich the objectives of the Master Gardener Program are all eligible to become members of the Foundation. Foundation members may attend and participate in board meetings and may vote on activities affecting the Foundation as a whole. (Note: WSU regulations prohibit the Foundation from automatically enrolling Master Gardeners as Foundation members. Master Gardeners, as well as all potential members, are required to complete a membership form.) Membership is free.
Who manages the Foundation?
Foundation members are represented by a President, Treasurer, Secretary, and up to three Directors from each island (currently Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands). The board sets policies, develops an annual budget, initiates fund-raising efforts, disburses and monitors expenditures, files necessary tax information, and insures the Foundation’s adherence to state and federal regulations. The board meets quarterly on the second Tuesday of January, April, July, and October, unless otherwise changed. Foundation board meetings are open to all members.
What are Foundation activities?
The San Juan County Master Gardeners Foundation primarily raises funds with three activities: the Annual Native Plant Sale, the Spring Plant Sale, and the Annual Gardening Workshop. The Foundation has also received grants from individuals and other non-profits. The money raised by the Foundation is used exclusively to further the mission of the Master Gardener Program in San Juan County. The general fund supports some administration costs of our local WSU Master Gardener office, community outreach activities including the Plant Problem Diagnostic Clinic, educational presentations, Farmers’ Market activities, and the three Master Gardener-maintained gardens in the islands: the San Juan Island Demonstration Garden, the Orcas School Native Plant Garden, and the Lopez Heritage Apple Orchard.
San Juan County Master Gardener Foundation
What is the San Juan County Master Gardener Foundation?
The San Juan County Master Gardener Foundation (SJCMGF) is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to raise funds to support the San Juan County Master Gardener Program of Washington State University (WSU). The Foundation is a separate and distinct organization from the Master Gardener Program.
Why was the Foundation formed?
The Foundation was formed in 2002 to organize the Fall Gardening Workshop because Washington State University (WSU) regulations prevented the Master Gardener Program from charging fees for the workshop. The Foundation evolved from a relatively informal organization to a dependent chapter of the Washington State Master Gardener Foundation in 2009, and finally to an independent IRS 501(c)(3) registered non-profit and incorporated in Washington State in 2014. The Foundation non-profit status allows us to accept donations and not charge sales tax. These changes occurred as we made more money through programs and donations. Bylaws were updated and approved in 2014.
Who can be a Foundation member?
Active Master Gardeners, current year trainees, Master Gardeners emeritus, WSU Cooperative Extension staff, and other persons who enrich the objectives of the Master Gardener Program are all eligible to become members of the Foundation. Foundation members may attend and participate in board meetings and may vote on activities affecting the Foundation as a whole. (Note: WSU regulations prohibit the Foundation from automatically enrolling Master Gardeners as Foundation members. Master Gardeners, as well as all potential members, are required to complete a membership form.) Membership is free.
Who manages the Foundation?
Foundation members are represented by a President, Treasurer, Secretary, and up to three Directors from each island (currently Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands). The board sets policies, develops an annual budget, initiates fund-raising efforts, disburses and monitors expenditures, files necessary tax information, and insures the Foundation’s adherence to state and federal regulations. The board meets quarterly on the second Tuesday of January, April, July, and October, unless otherwise changed. Foundation board meetings are open to all members.
What are Foundation activities?
The San Juan County Master Gardeners Foundation primarily raises funds with three activities: the Annual Native Plant Sale, the Spring Plant Sale, and the Annual Gardening Workshop. The Foundation has also received grants from individuals and other non-profits. The money raised by the Foundation is used exclusively to further the mission of the Master Gardener Program in San Juan County. The general fund supports some administration costs of our local WSU Master Gardener office, community outreach activities including the Plant Problem Diagnostic Clinic, educational presentations, Farmers’ Market activities, and the three Master Gardener-maintained gardens in the islands: the San Juan Island Demonstration Garden, the Orcas School Native Plant Garden, and the Lopez Heritage Apple Orchard.