Innovative Fundraising and Sound Financial Management
We’re the support team behind the WSU Extension Cowlitz County Master Gardeners—the wind beneath their wings. Through funding and volunteer leadership, we help make community-based sustainable gardening education possible. From workshops to outreach projects, we’re here to help great ideas take root and grow.
Statewide Impact, County by County
Cowlitz County Foundation
Founded in 1990, the Foundation was created to provide financial support to the WSU Extension Master Gardener program in Cowlitz County. We are a separate 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization run by Master Gardener Volunteers. Led by a Board of Directors, we oversee the fundraising and money management for the important work the Master Gardeners do to meet the needs of the communities throughout Cowlitz County.
The Annual Plant Sale is our largest fundraiser of the year, and the biggest public event for our Master Gardeners. We invite you to join the Foundation and help us continue this important work in our community.
WSU Extension
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.
The State Foundation
Our State Foundation focuses on three things:
- Providing financial and logistical support to our annual Advanced Education Conference, which enables us to 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.