Search for Excellence Award

Applications for the Search for Excellence award are closed for this year. Start preparing for next year!

Search for Excellence (SFE) is the recognition program of the Iowa Master Gardener program. SFE has six categories:

Youth Programs
Demonstration Gardens
Innovative Projects
Workshops/Presentations
Special Needs Audience
Community Service Projects

Recommended Resource: Internal Evaluation Tools

Through the Search for Excellence recognition program, Master Gardeners can demonstrate their outstanding contributions to their communities, providing significant learning and impact in the local area. All SFE applications must show that significant learning took place, with the focus on educating the general public rather than individual Master Gardeners. All SFE awards recognize outstanding group projects and not individuals completing outstanding work.

Search for Excellence Guidelines

Search for Excellence Application Form

Sample SFE Application

2015 Search for Excellence Winners:

Buchanan County Master Gardeners won the SFE award in 2015 Johnson County Master Gardeners won the SFE award in 2015 Marshall County Master Gardeners won the SFE award in 2015 Polk County Master Gardeners won the SFE award in 2015