MG Volunteer Project Application Information

Applying for a Master Gardener Program Volunteer Project

Mission Statement

The CCE Erie Master Gardeners reinforce CCE Erie’s mission to enable people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work. The purpose of this organization shall be to support and engage in educational projects and activities that will foster horticulture related activities. All such projects and activities shall be under the guidance of CCE Erie County.

Link to MG Project Request Form

Link to MG Project Cover Letter

Master Gardener Volunteer Project Criteria

Approval of Master Gardener projects by the Steering Committee will be based on the following criteria:

1. Projects will strive as much as possible to reach diverse Erie County audiences and be accessible to all residents.
2. Projects will align to the CCE Master Gardener Program Mission and should be listed as an acceptable activity in the Program’s current "Acceptable/Non-Acceptable Volunteer Activities"  List.
3. Projects producing a tangible resource or educational piece should not duplicate other recent efforts of Program volunteers. This will be determined during the Program Educator and Steering Committee members’ review.
4. Projects that strictly involve garden maintenance without an educational component will not be reviewed by the Steering Committee for approval.
5. As being involved in the Master Gardener Program is about building relationships with members of the community and other program volunteers, approved projects should be open to the participation of any interested Master Gardener volunteer. In some cases this may not be the desire of the project sponsor, if so an exception from this requirement may be requested from Program Educator.

Submitting Projects: It is recommended that each new project proposal be made available for Steering Committee review at least one month prior to the project starting date. Currently the Steering Committee meets on the first Tuesday of every month except December.

Projects without a Master Gardener volunteer lead: The Steering Committee will review the project to determine if it fits within our project criteria, including the “Acceptable/Non-Acceptable Volunteer Activity List.” If it does, a Program Volunteer will be recruited to help direct and work with other volunteers to complete the request. If after reasonable attempts a Program Volunteer does not agree to help direct/oversee MG Volunteer efforts for the project, the project sponsor will be alerted that volunteers are not available to work on the project at this time. The community organization will be encouraged to re-submit their project for consideration if at a later date a suitable MG volunteer is identified.

Documenting the Impact of Approved Projects: Approved project sponsors will be asked to assist the Master Gardener Program in documenting the impact of the educational and outreach efforts of the project in the community. The Steering Committee Vice President or MG Project Volunteers may ask the project sponsor to provide evaluations, surveys, stories and pictures. (A photo release may be needed in certain situations) While not required of community organizations sponsoring projects, community and MG Volunteers submission of this information is greatly appreciated.

Last updated August 2, 2021