Volunteer Database

Reopening the old database - All volunteers

Security and other reviews by the University have delayed the transition to our new database, Better Impact. We are aware of concerns about accurately tracking hours as we enter our busy season. In response, we have decided to reopen the old database and will use that system for all of 2025.  The transition to Better Impact will begin on January 1, 2026. In the meantime, please record all of your volunteer time, including prep and travel.

Logging into the Database - Initial login (2025 Interns only)

1. Go to the volunteer Google site: z.umn.edu/mgweb. Bookmark the site for easy access. In the left-hand navigation column click on "Log Hours."

2. On the “Master Gardener Login” page that appears, add your first and last name (name that you registered with for the core course), select the county that you applied to, and input a temporary password: MG2025. You should be in! 

3. Once you've logged in, it is a good idea to change the temporary password to one that is relevant to you. You can do this by clicking on the "Change Password"  link at the top of the page towards the right hand side.

4. On the "Change Your Password" page that appears, input your email address and your current password (MG2025).Create a new/different password and type it in the "New Password" and in the "Confirm New Password" boxes.

5. Look for the confirmation "Your password has been updated successfully."

6. Optional: Logging In for the First Time video tutorial (8 minutes) (Please note the video uses an outdated default password of MG2024, you will need to use MG2025)

Logging into the Database - Returning Users

1. Enter the database as you have done previously at z.umn.edu/mgweb. 

2. If you have forgotten your password or login information, please review this tutorial: Forgot your login info? video tutorial (8 minutes) (Helpful tip: When resetting your password, the “current password” being requested is the temporary password that was emailed to you after you selected “Forgot your login info?”)

Update your contact information (optional)

1. Click on “Update your info” in the upper left-hand corner. Confirm your contact information, note volunteer activity, and association membership. Click “Update” at the bottom of the page.

2. Update your Database Information 

Manage your listserv settings (optional)

1. On your profile page, go to “Listserv Subscription & Options” and confirm settings. 

2. All volunteers must subscribe to the MGSTATE listserv (you have already been subscribed). Volunteers subscribed to MGSTATE receive updates from the State Program via the monthly e-newsletter “Volunteer News” sent by Tim Kenny.

3. You may opt in to MASTGAR, an online chat listserv for Master Gardeners, by adding your email address in the box. Under MASTGAR options, we recommend checking “Send me a copy of my posting to MASTGAR” and “Send my Digest in HTML format.” More information about managing your listserv settings can be found in this tutorial.

Report volunteer and education hours (IMPORTANT: Interns do not report Core Course education hours in the database.)

1. Volunteers should report all their hours, including prep time and travel. If you volunteer more than the required amount, be sure to include that time!  It is important so that the full impact of the program and commitment of the volunteers can be celebrated!  

2. To report your volunteer hours, click on “Report Hours” in the gray bar towards the top of the webpage, choose the type of work you completed, enter your hours and additional information, and submit. There are several options at this step and we suggest you take the time to read instructions for logging hours in the Volunteer Manual and in these tutorials:

3. How to Log Your Volunteer Hours

4. Log Continuing Education Hours

5. Core Area Descriptors 

6. View Last Year's Hours

7. Reporting Hours FAQ

For leaders and program coordinators

• How to update volunteer status and profile info in the database

• How to find the total number of hours reported for volunteers