For over 30 years, North Carolina Cooperative Extension has expanded its outreach capacity by recruiting training and managing outstanding volunteer Extension Master Gardeners in 87 counties from Murphy to Manteo. Help expand the capacity of those volunteers to deliver excellent environmental programs across the state!

Money donated to the North Carolina Extension Master Gardeners’ Endowment is invested in perpetuity.  Only the investment income from the account is utilized to provide programmatic funding. 

An advisory board called “Friends of the North Carolina Extension Masters Gardener Volunteers”  accepts proposals and makes recommendations on the use of the interest generated. 

The interest earned from money invested in this endowment will provide matching funds for local and statewide projects; scholarships for initial and advanced training; equipment; materials; supplies and tools.

The endowment is housed in and managed by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Foundation, an entity of the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc.  All contributions are tax-deductible and will be utilized solely for the North Carolina Extension Master Gardener Program.

About the Program
North Carolina Extension Master Gardener Volunteers provide unbiased, research based information and programs regarding environmental stewardship of gardens laws and landscapes. Started in North Carolina in 1979, the train-the-trainer program cultivates volunteers through hands-on experience in horticultural, leadership, public speaking, community development, and teaching. 

“Master Gardeners are well trained and respected educators promoting safer and more sustainable gardening practices.”  Pam Beck, garden writer and author

“It’s hard to imagine a more enthusiastic group that not only has a strong desire to learn, but also a strong desire to share what they have learned with others.”  Tony Avent, Owner Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, N.C.

“Master Gardener volunteers play a critical role in county government and have made a huge difference in how people view open space and protecting the environment”  Betty Lou Ward, Wake County Commissioner and Past President of the National Association of Counties

Highly Trained Volunteers
In North Carolina, there are more than 4,000 Master Gardener volunteers in 87 counties – and growing! Under the guidance of County Extension Horticulture agents, Master Gardener volunteers complete a rigorous training program, pass an examination and complete a 40 hour internship.  Once certified they continue to contribute a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer services each year as well as continuing education through the local Cooperative Extension center.

Extension Master Gardener volunteers teach people to make environmentally responsible decisions in their landscape by answering questions, teaching classes, constructing demonstration gardens, and talking with community groups, among many other educational activities.

The NC Extension Master Gardener Endowment
NC State Campus Box 7645
Raleigh, NC 27695

Please make Check Payable to: NC CES Foundation

In the Memo Line put: NC EMG Endowment