Innovative fundraising and sound financial management
Our Mission is to financially support the Pierce County Master Gardeners through innovative fundraising and sound financial management, now and for the future.The Foundation raises money throughout the year via various fundraisers and donation drives. Our largest fundraiser is the Annual Plant Sale, held during the last weekend of April. At this pop-up event, the WSU Extension campus turns into a frenzy of fun, with MG grown tomatoes, small fruits, MG propagated perennials, native plants, houseplants and more. We also sell carefully selected gardening books during the Plant Sale and other events, including From the Ground and Up in June.
State wide impact, county by county
Pierce County Foundation
We are a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports and promotes the WSU Extension Master Gardener program in Pierce County. Our Foundation uses its funds to meet the needs of the communities throughout Pierce County.
But Master Gardeners are structured to deliver horticultural and environmental stewardship education throughout the State of Washington. Our educational programs are developed and maintained by Washington State University, who trains all our volunteers. In addition, we partner with our state wide foundation to fund and deliver the programs throughout the state.
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 state-wide 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.
Work 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.
WSU Extension
Driving the Master Gardener Mission:
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.
Master Gardeners in Pierce County:
Geographically, Pierce County covers more than 1,800 square miles of land and water with elevations rising from sea level to more that 14,000 feet. Known for iconic landmark Mount Rainier, Pierce County is home to nearly one million Washingtonians.
The Master Gardener Program in Pierce County is home to more than 400 volunteers who contribute their time and efforts across our Clinics, Demonstration Gardens, Youth Gardening, Speakers Bureau and much more. Our efforts are focused on a range of horticultural related topics including: Climate Change; Soil Health; Pollinators; Local Food; Plant Biodiversity; Nearby Nature and Wildfire Preparedness.