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Information for Public and Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Entities on the Criteria and Process for Becoming a Massachusetts Master Gardener Association (MMGA) Project Garden
Information for Public and Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Entities on the Criteria and Process for Becoming a Massachusetts Master Gardener Association (MMGA) Project Garden
The Massachusetts Master Gardener Association is an independent non-profit organization whose mission is to share research-based horticultural knowledge and experience with the public. We meet that goal through Master Gardener Certification, outreach, education, volunteering, and public gardening programs for the advancement of best practices in sustainable, regenerative horticulture.
We provide all Master Gardeners and students in our certification program with educational and practical opportunities to extend their knowledge and interests in horticulture and to volunteer in the regional communities where we work and live.
New Project Gardens Application: Criteria and Approval Process
New Project Gardens Application: Criteria and Approval Process
Key Requirements for Partner Entities
Key Requirements for Partner Entities
Partners usually fall under categories like Arboretum, Botanic Gardens, Historical Gardens, Public gardens, K-12 School Gardens, Native Plant Gardens and Food Production Gardens.
Identify an Educational Component: Massachusetts projects must serve the mission of "helping others learn to grow". This often involves public demonstration gardens, workshops, or onsite horticultural advice.
Public Benefit: The garden must be accessible to the public and provide clear community value.
Partner Status: Public entities, schools, or 501(c)(3) nonprofits are the primary eligible partners.
Sustainability Standards: MMGA prioritizes research-based best practices that address climate change and regenerative horticulture.
Volunteer Integration: Project sites must provide meaningful opportunities for Master Gardener Interns and certified volunteers to fulfill their mandatory service hours (typically 60 hours in their first year to become certified and 30 hours a year in subsequent years).
The Applicant/s are the MMGA members who agree to be the Project Manager (PM) along with the partner entity. Every project garden requires one or two PMs along with a minimum of two other Certified Master Gardeners (CMGs), (Project Team) that will support the project and are available to volunteer at the Site. A PM must be on site whenever volunteers are present, offering guidance and expertise on the activities planned for each gardening session. The planned activities will be discussed between the PMs and the host partner site representative. The garden site partner organization must allow MMGA signage to be displayed while the MGs are working.
If there is a Master Gardener (MG) known to the partner organization and they are interested in becoming the PM, they can present the garden as a new project garden to MMGA and apply. If the partner organization does not know an MG who is interested in becoming the PM, then MMGA can survey their members to identify an MG who would be willing to become the PM.
If interested in your partner organization developing a Project Garden with MMGA please contact:
for Teaching and Outreach gardens: Rosemary Conway, Outreach Director at outreach@massmastergardeners.org
for all other gardens: Shelley Trucksis, Gardening Director at gardening@massmastergardeners.org
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