New Master Gardener Volunteer Project Requests

Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV) are trained horticulture volunteers who generously donate their time and expertise to support community education. Because they are volunteers, not full-time staff, their availability is limited and must be focused on projects that align with our educational mission and offer the greatest community impact. In general, the demand for Master Gardener Volunteers far exceeds our capacity to meet it. For this reason, all new projects are carefully reviewed and must be approved by a UMaine Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator.

Master Gardener Volunteers Program Mission

Foster sustainable gardening practices and enrich the lives of our Master Gardener Volunteers by educating and mentoring gardeners in the community through opportunities to learn, connect with other gardeners, and support community service projects.

What is the process for approving a new MGV project?

New project request forms are only reviewed and approved during the off season (October 1 – March 1) of each year. Please allow up to a month for the review process once it begins.

  1. Initial Discussion: The Project Leader discusses the project idea with the local Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator. If the project is a suitable fit for our program, the MGV Coordinator will send the project request form to the leader.
  2. Form Submission: The Project Leader completes and submits the New MGV Project Request Form.
  3. Coordinator Review: The local MGV Coordinator reviews the request and either approves or declines the project.
  4. Notification: The Project Leader receives email notification regarding the status of their request (approved or not approved).
    1. If approved, the project will be added to the online reporting system and MGVs may begin reporting hours for the approved project.
    2. If not approved, the project leader may submit a new request form during the next off-season review period.

What is required to become an approved MGV project?

To be approved, a project must:

  • Align with the MGV program’s mission and focus areas,
  • Address a local community need,
  • Meet risk management and safety standards, evaluated in collaboration with project leaders and partners, and
  • Have enough volunteers and support to sustain the project.

How do projects remain approved and active?

Project leaders must complete their annual project enrollment and impact reporting in the fall of each year. For more information about serving as a project leader, please visit our website.