Thank you for supporting the Master Gardener volunteer program

Grow Oregon’s gardeners for generations

Oregonians turn to OSU Extension Master Gardener™ volunteers for trusted gardening education, problem-solving and hands-on community support. Your gift ensures this work continues to flourish statewide today and for decades to come.

A woman wearing a purple rain jacket and knit hat holds up a small plant to show a group of people gathered around her outdoors. The group, dressed in colorful jackets and gloves, watches closely and smiles as she explains, surrounded by greenery on a cloudy day.

Photo: Hope Stephens

Join us in cultivating resilient gardens, strong communities and lifelong gardeners.

Visit the Oregon State University Foundation’s secure site. In the dropdown for "I want to give to" write in “Statewide Master Gardener Program Endowment Fund."

Make a monthly gift ($5+) or a one-time donation

What your support makes possible

The Master Gardener endowment (est. 1980s) has been built through thousands of grassroots gifts from $10 to $10,000 given by volunteers, families and friends statewide.

Endowment balance (as of Feb. 2022): $363,189
Annual support generated: ~$10,000

This funding helps sustain and grow the program by supporting:

Partial salary of the statewide Master Gardener program outreach coordinator
Bridge funding for county programs in Lane, Hood River, Union and Marion counties during financial shortfalls
Tools and systems that support volunteer success (ECCo™ plant clinic database, Solve Pest Problems and the volunteer reporting platform)
Guest speakers including Abra Lee, Dr. Samantha Chisholm Hatfield, Dr. David Lewis and Dr. Vivek Shandas
Training and workshops through the Confluence Project and others to provide culturally relevant gardening education
Seed to Supper delivery for low-income gardeners
Gardening-related film screenings and community events

Your generosity keeps educators and volunteers equipped, connected and reaching new gardeners every year.

Honoring transformational donors

In addition to grassroots contributions, the program benefits from extraordinary planned gifts and endowments that will secure its future.

Y. Sherry Sheng and Spike Wadsworth

2012: $1.2M estate pledge to endow the statewide Master Gardener coordinator position
2020: $503,000 annuity gift to launch the Master Gardener professorship fund

Together, these gifts will create a $1.7M+ endowed professorship believed to be the first Master Gardener endowed professorship in the United States.

Bob and Barbara Bailey

2012: Planned $600,000 endowment to support the statewide program

Clackamas County Master Gardener Association

2012: First-ever $25,000 pledged gift from a county association to the statewide program

We are deeply grateful to these visionary donors and to every volunteer and supporter who sustains this vital program.

Credit: Joe Kline (Cropped from original)

Your gift matters

With a gift of $5 per month or a one-time donation, you help:

Train and support Master Gardener volunteers statewide
Expand access to research-based gardening education
Strengthen food security through community gardening efforts
Support digital tools and services that reach all Oregonians
Ensure this beloved program remains strong amid reduced state funding

Every dollar helps cultivate knowledge and community resilience.

Give securely online

In the dropdown for "I want to give to" write in “Statewide Master Gardener Program Endowment Fund."

Give to the Statewide Master Gardener Program Endowment Fund

OSU Extension Service

Master Gardener™