Resources for Master Gardener Nonprofits

1. The MOA Process

2. Non-compulsory Membership
   1. Letter from WSU Extension to Master Gardener Organizations
   2. Comments from the WSU Assistant Attorney General
   3. Sample letter from Boards of Directors

   4. Sample Application Form
      

3. Crucial Reference Handbook:
   How to form and maintain a nonprofit corporation in Washington State.
   • ALL nonprofits must be familiar with the guidelines and procedures within this handbook or risk loss of their nonprofit status.
   • A one-time mailing of this handbook to each Washington State MG nonprofit was completed in April of 2003.

   • Additional copies may be obtained by contacting the King County Bar Association at 900 Fourth Ave, Suite 600, Seattle, WA, 98164-1060. Cost per copy as of 2003 was $5. For more information call (206) 624-9365 or fax them at (206) 383-1270.

4. Board of Directors Checklist of Essentials
5. Contact Information Regarding Business Licensing, Registration and Renewal

   1. Secretary of State
      Corporations Division
      P.O. Box 40234
      Olympia, WA, 98504-0234
      Phone (360) 753-7115

6. Web-based Procedures for Checking the Status of a Master Gardener Organization

• With the Secretary of State:
  • Go to Corporations Division
  • Click on the link marked "Corporations Search"
  • Enter the name or UBI in the search box and click "search"

  • You must enter the name exactly as registered or you may search using only a portion of the name of your nonprofit, e.g. master gardener foundation

• With the Internal Revenue Service
  • To check tax exempt status, click here.
  • Click the link to Charities and Non-profits
  • In the left hand column under "Topics", click search for charities
  • Enter the first word of your organization name, e.g. "Master", in the search box under name, and WA for state.

    NOTE: The procedures above are also available in the MG Statewide Staff Handbook listed under "Guidelines and Procedures" at the official WSU Master Gardener web site.

6. Insurance Information for Non-profits
   For information regarding Directors and Officers Risk and Obligation, consult Part Two, Section III of the handbook listed above, How to form and maintain a nonprofit corporation in Washington State. Consult with your local insurance professional about your needs and rates.

7. Unlicensed Raffles Information
   For information on unlicensed raffles, click here .