Start a Club

Federated Garden Clubs of CTMembershipStart a Club Print Page

Why Start a New Club?

“There is no garden club in my neighborhood.”
“The garden club in my area only meets during the day; I am only available in the evening or on weekends.”
“The garden club in my area focuses on floral design; my passion is organic gardening and growing vegetables.”
“I work a lot with the Scouts. The club in my area isn’t focused on youth programs.”

These are all great reasons to start your own garden club with like-minded friends and neighbors. Check out the steps to take below and contact Membership@ctgardenclubs.org  for assistance.  We want to help!

Steps to Help You Start a New Garden Club

Click each step for details

Step 1 – Contact Prospective Members

Prominently post flyers at high-traffic locations.

  • Nurseries
  • Garden Centers
  • Libraries
  • Book Stores
  • Parks
  •  Environmental Stores
  •  Community Gardens
  •  Community Centers

Place a print an ad in small local newspapers.
Solicit friends and neighbors to join.

Step 2 – Select a Meeting Place and Time

Be flexible to accommodate busy schedules.

Establish the date and time for the first meeting.  Allow the club members to determine what day and time works best for the schedule of future meetings.

Meetings rooms are often available at libraries or community centers without a fee.

Local nurseries might be willing to provide meeting space in exchange for increased exposure to club members.

Step 3 – Determine the Club’s Purpose and Goals

Is the purpose of the club singular or multifaceted?

If a singular purpose, what will it be?

  • Landscape Design
  • Conservation
  • Floral Design
  • Church members who provide floral designs for services and landscaping of the church grounds
  • Horticulture
  • Community Environmental Issues
  • Educating the community about sound gardening practices
  • Beautification of the community
  • Working with youth to cultivate the next generation of gardeners

Step 4 – Organize the Club

Establish the Club name.

  • Draft your “Purpose” ─ which must include “Educational and Charitable.”
  • Write Bylaws
  • Elect Officers
  • Maintain a written record of each meeting
  • Determine the amount of dues based upon the total projected expenses for programs, projects, and any fees for meeting space.
  • Obtain a Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN) to enable your club to open a bank account.  (EIN is also required for the club to become a Member of FGCCT.)

Step 5 – Join The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc.

Per the Federation Bylaws, Article III – Membership:

“A club shall maintain an active membership for at least six months and shall be willing to uphold the standards of the Federation.  Two delegates from the Federation must have attended one of the regular meetings of the club.  A report of its program and the club name must be submitted to the Federation Board of Directors, hereinafter known as the Federation Board, for its approval.”

The Second Vice-President/Membership Chair of the Federation presents the application of the prospective new club to the Federation Board for approval.  For further information, contact Membership@ctgardenclubs.org

Upon acceptance, important details regarding obtaining tax-exempt status will be provided by the Federation’s Treasurer, as well as payment of minimal dues to the Federation. For detail, contact Treasurer@ctgardenclubs.org