Club Services

 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.
  • Club Promotion
    CGCI offers many ways to promote your club and our efforts.
  • Pins
    A variety of pins are available for sale. Click here for the order form for pins.
     
  • 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.
  • 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.
     
  • 2011-2013 President's Project
     



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 $.75 per member after February 15, 2012, (with a minimum cost of $20.00.)

The cost of the additional insured certificate insurance is $20.00 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. Contact McDaniel Insurance Services at 1-800-400-7288 for more information.





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.

Flower Show help


Gardening Consultants Council's & Landscape Design Council's Awards

CGCI has a number of Environmental Consultants, Gardening Consultants and Landscape Design Consultants. These consultants may be available for programs and assistance.

Gardening Consultants Council Awards

The Gardening Consultants Council of CGCI has established the Certificate of Recognition Award for garden club members to give commendations to gardens in their communities.   Click here for a certificate which you can print yourself.  Or a framed certificate can be awarded at the next CGCI Board or Convention. 

The Council also offers the Outstanding Private Garden Award.   Certificates awarded to individuals by CGCI Gardening Consultants Council for an “outstanding” private garden. Application form available from Gardening Consultants Council Chairman or click here to download from the CGCI website. May be given at any CGCI meeting (allow at least one month for consideration). Council members or garden club members may propose candidates. Recipient will be notified of date/time of presentation, which may be presented during a tour or a meal at a CGCI meeting; if presented at a meal, the meal will be provided. 

Click here to contact Myrtle Findley, Gardening Consultants Council Chairman.

 

Landscape Design Council Awards

Click here to view all of the awards which the Landscape Design Council provides.  Question, contact the Landscape Design Council Chairman, Pat Clayes.

 


 

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 and Pacific Region Scholarships


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:

CGCI Awards Program


Publications

CGCI eNewsletter - click here for the past issues - from November 2009 to present.

"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

Inspirations


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.