1. NCEMGVA Who are we? North Carolina Extension Master Gardener Volunteers A Non-Profit Association Chartered in 1991 Our Objective is: To enhance, supplement, and aid in improving the effectiveness of its members as volunteers in the North Carolina Extension Master Gardener program. 1

2. How is this Accomplished? We sponsor and co-sponsor education and training activities for North Carolina's Master Gardeners in partnership with county and multi-county programs and the Cooperative Extension. Some of the projects we have supported are: Statewide Educational Conferences 2015 Conference 2

3. Conference Images Our Conferences are held at great locations featuring Expert Speakers. Embassy Suites, Cary Rhonda Sherman, Vermicomposting Being a NCEMGVA member provides access to the latest Gardening information. 3

4. We Support You By Providing the seed monies to help get your projects off and running. Providing a Newsletter so you can see what other EMG Programs are doing across our State. You can view the quarterly Newsletter online @ http://www.ncmastergardeners.org http://www.ncmastergardeners.org 4

5. NCEMGVA Website Our website has: An Events Calendar. Updated information from across our State. Information and Forms for Award Programs and Grants. A membership Directory. The quarterly Newsletter. 5

6. Our Work in Action The Competitive Grants Program awards full or partial matching funds on a competitive basis to projects that further the goals of the Association as well as the local Master Gardener programs. The Program is open to all North Carolina Master Gardener Programs. Grants will only be awarded to NCEMGVA members and applications must be completed by a NCEMGVA member or members. 6

7. Types of Projects Types of projects to be considered include: Local gardening projects: –demonstration gardens. Educational projects: –school projects, –Community workshops –symposia Funded activities must be completed within 18 months of the date of the award. A final project report will be due to the Awards Committee no later than 6 months after completion of the project. 7

8. Competitive Grant Criteria Grant applications will be rated using the following criteria: Advances the goals of the NCEMGVA and the NC Extension Master Gardener program. Meets a diverse community/county need. Conveys short and long-term community benefits. Sustains the project beyond the term of the grant award. Uses collaborative partnering. Has the potential to become a model program. 8

9. Winners Winners of the Competitive Grants Awards at the 2015 Conference: Durham County - Funds for training and support services related to the radio program “Getting Dirty with Master Gardeners”. Iredell County - Development of the native plant section of the Iredell County Cooperative Extension Demonstration Garden. Wilson County - Installation of a weather station in the STEM Garden at the Wilson Botanical Gardens. 9

10. Symposium Matching Grants The goal is to foster growth and development of regional symposia. The number and amounts of grants awarded will be contingent upon funds available in the NCEMGVA budget. Grants awarded by the NCEMGVA must be matched by local program funds. Grants will be awarded based on evaluation of the applications received. Priority consideration will be given to the development of new regional symposia. 10

11. Symposium Projects Projects to be considered must: Offer one day or partial day programs of educational sessions or workshops intended to further the training of Extension Master Gardeners. Be hosted by a regional consortia (two or more) of county programs. Be open to active Extension Master Gardeners throughout the region. Offer a registration discount to members of the NCEMGVA. 11

12. Symposium Criteria Symposium Matching Grant Applications will be rated using the following criteria: Advances the educational goals of the NCEMGVA and the NC Extension Master Gardener program. Meets a regional need for additional training opportunities. Promotes collaboration among participating county programs. 12

13. Symposium Winners Winners of the Symposium Matching Grants Awards at the 2015 Conference: Davidson County - Annual gardener's conference Kerr Lake (Vance and Warren Counties) - Annual gardening symposium 13

14. Outstanding Volunteers The Outstanding Volunteer Awards: Represent an opportunity for NC Master Gardeners to recognize their colleagues for extraordinary contributions to the Extension Master Gardener Program and Cooperative Extension. Nominations may be submitted by a county Master Gardener organization, by State Extension staff, or by an individual Master Gardener. Recipients are chosen by the NCEMGVA Awards Committee and the awards are presented at the annual Master Gardener Conference. 14

15. We Applaud the Winners Outstanding Volunteer Award Winners at the 2015 Conference: Eloise Adams - Johnston County Lois Chatham - Dare County John and Jane Young - Haywood County 15

16. NC State Extension Staff Lifetime Achievement Award The North Carolina State Extension Staff Lifetime Achievement Award is intended to recognize those County Directors, Horticulture or Agriculture Agents, or Extension Staff who have significantly contributed to the success of the State Master Gardener program. This award is generally given at the conclusion of an individual's career or as the result of a major change in their situation. Nominations for this award must be endorsed by at least two Master Gardeners. 16

17. Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award for 2015 Dr. Lucy Bradley Extension Specialist, Urban Horticulture Horticultural Science The NCEMGVA supports Agents and Staff by helping fund educational workshops and awarding associate membership to the Association. 17

18. Madeline Collier Landscape Garden Design Competition Open to all Master Gardener Programs, the goal of this competition is to showcase Master Gardener landscape demonstration gardens that have been completed, are under construction, or are in the late design stage. Entries, including garden designs, plans, photographs, and models will be displayed at the North Carolina Extension Master Gardener Conference. Judging criteria will include the visual appeal of the design, accessibility, and the educational value to the general public, including seniors and youth, in demonstrating best gardening practices. 18

19. Winners of Madeline Collier Award There are two competition categories. Category A: Programs with 50 or fewer active members. Wilson County Category B: Programs with more than 50 active members. Guilford County

20. HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED! Be a member of NCEMGVA! Dues are $10 per year. Be a Delegate for your MG Program! Your input will help your county’s voice be heard. Join our Newsletter Team! Your county EMG Program activities will be presented across North Carolina in our quarterly Newsletter. Attend Board Meetings! All members are welcome. The dates and locations are posted @ http://www.ncmastergardeners.org http://www.ncmastergardeners.org Be a part of making a difference in the Extension Master Gardener Program across North Carolina! 20

21. Renew or Join Today at http://ncmgva.camp8.org/ 21