MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE FOUNDATION:

The mission of the Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State:

“Helping WSU Master Gardener Programs “grow” better communities through financial support, communication, education and advocacy.”

PURPOSE STATEMENT FOR THE FOUNDATION:

The purposes for which this organization is formed are solely educational and charitable in furtherance of the Washington State University Master Gardener Program, without the inclusion of any purpose or intention of carrying on any business, trade, avocation or profession for profit.

The following purposes are specifically stated in our Articles of Incorporation:

1. To enhance and supplement the efforts of the Washington State University Master Gardener Program and thereby to provide education and information on horticulture to the citizens of the State of Washington.

2. To raise funds to be used to supplement and enhance the WSU Master Gardener Program.

3. To facilitate an exchange of ideas and information between individual chapters and affiliate organizations of this corporation through periodic newsletters and seminars.

4. To inform and educate the citizens and decision makers of our State about the value of the Master Gardener Program.

To download the official by-Laws as PDF click here

BYLAWS OF THE MASTER GARDENER FOUNDATION OF WASHINGTON STATE

ARTICLE I -- MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. The membership of the Foundation shall consist of chartered chapters of County Master Gardener Foundations or Organizations, and Board approved Affiliates. Each chapter and affiliate shall have one vote.

ARTICLE II -- DUTIES OF OFFICERS

(See Job Descriptions)

ARTICLE III -- BOARD

Section 1. The representatives to the Board are appointed by the local chapters and serve for three (3) years.

Section 2. The President, Secretary and Treasurer shall by elected by the board at the annual meeting and serve for 2 years. The Regional Vice Presidents shall be elected by the County Chapter Representatives in their region; Metro, Peninsula, and Southeast in even numbered years and Northwest, Southwest, and Northeast in odd numbered years.

Section 3. The Board shall establish a nominating committee for the purpose of recruiting, evaluating and placing names in nomination at the annual meeting; provided, however, that nothing shall preclude any member in good standing from placing a nomination for any office of the Foundation at the annual meeting.

ARTICLE IV -- EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1. The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the day to day operation of the Foundation.

Section 2. Membership in the Executive Committee shall consist of the officers of the Board, including the immediate past President of the Foundation.  The State MG Coordinator and the Extension Horticulturist shall serve as ad-hoc members.

Section 3. The Executive Committee shall periodically review chapter charters and affiliate memberships for renewal or termination. The termination of a chapter charter or affiliate membership shall be referred to the Board for vote.

ARTICLE V -- OPERATING COMMITTEES

Section 1. The Board shall establish such committees as necessary to conduct the business of the Foundation.

ARTICLE VI -- MEETINGS

Section 1. The annual meeting of the members of the Foundation shall be held during the month of October, or at a time and place established by the Board.

Section 2. The Board shall meet quarterly alternating meetings between the East and West sides of the State.

ARTICLE VII -- CHAPTERS

Section 1. The Board may charter chapters from geographical regions of the State of Washington. Upon acceptance of a chapter application, the Board shall issue a chapter certificate which shall enable the chapter to operate as a part of the Foundation.

Section 2. Chapter membership shall consist of Washington State University Master Gardeners in good standing, and current year Master Gardener trainees who wish to belong to such chapter.

Section 3. Chapter charters shall be granted for a period of three (3) years. The Executive Committee shall periodically review individual charters and provide for their renewal or termination as may be determined in the best interest of the Foundation.

ARTICLE VIII -- AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS

Section 1. The Board of Directors may from time to time accept an application for affiliate status from an independent organization. Upon granting an application to an independent organization the Board shall issue a certificate of membership.

Section 2. Affiliate membership shall be granted for a period of three (3) years. The Executive Committee shall periodically review each individual affiliate membership status for renewal or termination as may be determined in the best interest of the Foundation.

Section 3. Criteria for affiliate membership status and periodic renewal shall include but not be limited to the following criteria:

a. Whether the affiliate organization is devoted to a similar purpose as defined by Article II of the Articles of Incorporation.
b. Does the affiliate organization support the purposes of the Foundation?
c. Is the affiliate organization a going concern?
d. Does the affiliate organization have a good public image and reputation?
e. Does the affiliate organization have good leadership and a broad membership base?
f. Does the affiliate organization operate with sound business practices and maintain compliance with the Internal Revenue Code as well as the state tax, not-for-profit corporation, charitable solicitation.

[Revised July 1, 2000]

(Revised June 5, 2004)