Good Information and News
Garden Clubs can use.
Club Services
...services CGCI offers its member garden clubs
Membership Support
CGCI offers member clubs an umbrella of support and protection. Member services, insurance, expertise and administrative guidance and support are offered.
- Get your club listed on the Club Finder by Zip Code
Zip Code Approval Form - To help people interested in finding a garden club in their area, California Garden Clubs, Inc. offers a locator page to help people find clubs by using zip codes. If you want your club to be included in the zip code finder, please submit the approval form. Click here to go to the form.
- Commendations for members and the public
Commendations are available for
businesses, gardens and landscape design, community support and various types of achievement.
- Club Promotion
CGCI offers many ways to promote your club and our efforts.
- Honoring Members
CGCI has developed many different methods to say "Thank You" "Well Done!" and "We Appreciate Your Efforts." Several types of certificates are available. Also, CGCI LIFE MEMBERSHIPS area great way to honor special members.
- Discounts
Participating sponsors throughout California offer CGCI members discounts.
- Networking
Clubs throughout California are doing creative and innovative things.
Click here to read about them. Attending CGCI meetings, District meetings and through regular communications, CGCI clubs can network and exchange ideas throughout the state for the benefit of all.
- Club Administration Guidelines
“How Long Are You Required to Store Records” The NGC CPA has issued a guide to explain how long your club needs to store records.
Click Here for Records Information.
- CGCI Logos for download
Have you ever needed a CGCI logo for a letter head or flyer? Several sizes and colors are available to show that you are part of a successful and dynamic statewide organization..
Keep California Golden...
Share Poppy Seed Packets
Make eye-catching wildflower seed packets to use for club publicity or as a "thanks for visiting our club" gift idea.
Click here for "seed packet instructions"
Click here for "address labels"
Apply for 501(c)(3) Tax Status through CGCI
CGCI has established an umbrella tax status for qualifying clubs which choose to be included under CGCI’s 501(c)(3) status. Application is required. A minor administrative fee is required to apply ($35), with an additional minimal paperwork fee each year thereafter to retain the status. Click here for more information about the CGCI Group Exemption.
Is your club already a member of the CGCI Group Exemption?
Click here for information regarding the IRS Form 990-N tax return required of all clubs earning less than $25,000 annually.
Click here for annual renewal information.
Insurance: Club, Event and Director & Officer
Clubs and associate plant societies may apply for the low-cost CGCI liability insurance. Coverage is for investigation, legal defense, bodily injury and property damage due to the negligence of the club or any of its members during any meeting controlled by the club, such as a flower show, convention, etc. It is limited to $1 million per accident, with an aggregate of $2 million for all clubs. The annual club insurance premium is $1.50 per member (with a minimum cost of $35.00.
The cost of the additional insured certificate insurance is $30.00 per location. This insurance is for owners of property on and in which clubs hold events . . .so the property owners are also covered under CGCI’s policy. Click here for more information.
In addition to low-cost general liability insurance, Directors & Officers Liability coverage is available for incorporated members in good standing with 501(c)(3) status. D&O coverage protects liability for wrongful acts or alleged wrongful acts. It insures the nonprofit entity, any past, present or future directors, officers, trustees, employees, volunteers, or any duly constituted committee of the Insured Entity. The policy has a $1,000,000 shared aggregate limit of liability, including unlimited defense costs, with a $2,000 per claim retention. Annual premium: $250. Click here for more information or contact McDaniel Insurance Services 1-800-400-7288.
Grants
Both CGCI and NGC offer grants for a variety of projects.
Currently there are no grants.
NGC Educational Schools
- Environmental Studies Schools — for the promotion and conservation of natural resources and environmental awareness and knowledge.
- Flower Show Schools — A four-course program to educate garden club members and the general public about showing and judging horticulture and floral design.
- Gardening Studies Schools — The Gardening Study School is a series of four courses developed to stimulate an interest in horticulture and to further the art of gardening. After successful completion of four courses, a member may become certified and an accredited "Gardening Consultant."
- Landscape Design Schools — NCC has prepared a series of four (4) Landscape Design Study Courses. The objectives are to promote awareness and understanding of the principles and theories of landscape design, site planning and landscaping, as well as the ordinances, zoning restrictions and codes developed by government agencies for good land use development. The public is welcome to attend any or all of the courses. Successful completion of all four courses entitles the garden club member to receive Landscape Design Consultant certificate from NGC.
Flower Show Judges and Judges Councils
Judges are available, free of charge, to judge flower shows.
Consultants
CGCI has a number of Environmental Consultants, Gardening Consultants and Landscape Design Consultants. These consultants may be available for programs and assistance.
Gardening Consultants
Beautiful Garden Award
Certificate for Beautiful private gardensThe Gardening Consultants Council of CGCI has established an award for members to give commendation to beautiful gardens in their community. Click here for a certificate you can print out yourself.
Or... a framed certificate can be awarded at the next CGCI Board or Convention. Contact Myrtle B. Findley, Gardening Consultants Council Chairman, at
MBFRWF@aol.com prior to a meeting to make arrangements.
Landscape Design Consultants
The CGCI Landscape Design Council promotes the wise use of land. Programs, schools and other information is offered through the Council. Commendations to recognize achievement in the design of public and private gardens are available from the CGCI Landscape Design Council.
Speakers
CGCI chairmen, officers, associate plant society and state affiliate members may be available to provide programs for club meetings. And the District maintains a list of speakers.
Scholarships
CGCI Scholarships — available to college/graduate students
NGC Scholarships — available to college/graduate students
Pacific Region Scholarships — available to college/graduate students
Awards Program
CGCI, NGC and Pacific Region offer awards. The awards are listed in the Awards Manual which CGCI makes available to each club president. Click below for more information:
Publications
Golden Gardens, CGCI’s quarterly publication, is sent free to all club presidents. Subscriptions are available, with a discount given for a 100% Golden Gardens club. Clubs are invited to list their special events in the Calendar Section of the magazine.
"Hot off the Press"
Booklets covering such topics as inspirations, officer Installations and the history of CGCI are available for purchase.FREE HELP-SHEETS...
"Attracting New Member"
CGCI Past President Virginia Bennetts offers a few ideas about ways to find new garden club members"How to Write A Good Newsletters."
Former Golden Gardens Editor and award-winning Newsletter writer offers tips."Publicity Guide"
Hints & tips for getting publicity for your club."How Does Your Garden (Club) Grow?"
CGCI Past President, Elisabeth Tufo offers suggestions to increase and maintain club membership
Website
The official website of the CGCI. is a very valuable tool for clubs. Clubs are invited to list their special events on the website. Click here to learn how to get your information listed on the CGCI website.
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... the non-profit federation of garden clubs in California representing more than 22,000 California gardeners.
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