As the year wraps up, join the
American Floral Endowment (AFE) in celebrating the many accomplishments across the industry. Thanks to generous donors, AFE has continued making meaningful strides to fund programs that strengthen the floral community.
2025 Highlights:
Research Programs
- Over $750,000 awarded to support 20 research projects focusing on pest management, disease control, post-production, technology, and more
Scholarship & Internship Programs
- 40 Students awarded scholarships and internships ($139,500+) to help build the next generation of floriculture and horticulture professionals
Grant Programs
- 24 Organizations awarded educational grants totaling over $100,000, supporting education, new programs, floral design, and young professionals development
- 5 Travel grants awarded to retail florists continuing their education
Additional Highlights
- The Sustainabloom program continues to grow through 20+ SustainaGuides, industry spotlights, news, and resources on sustainability within the floral industry
- Over 20 free educational and training webinars through Grow Pro, Floral Marketing Fund, Young Professionals Council, Sustainabloom, and Thrips & Botrytis, presented by expert speakers
- Over 100 members in our Young Professionals Council, which fosters networking and professional growth for emerging leaders
While there’s much to celebrate, these accomplishments also highlight the growing demand for AFE’s vital support. Each year, many deserving students, the future leaders of the floral industry, go without the financial assistance they need. Meanwhile, important research and educational programs aimed at solving industry challenges remain underfunded.
This year alone, more than
120 students applied for scholarships or internships but were unable to receive support. Rising research costs also left 14 projects unfunded. Looking ahead,
38 new research proposals have already been submitted for 2026–2027 funding, focusing on priorities like pest and disease management, production, and new technologies.
With uncertainty around government and alternative funding, the commitment to sustaining these programs is stronger than ever—but AFE can’t do it without you. AFE extends its sincere thanks to the 2025 donors. The full list can be viewed
here. Don't see your name on the list? There's still time to give! With continued support, AFE can broaden its impact and ensure no potential goes untapped.
During this holiday season, please consider including AFE in your
year-end giving. And now, contributions can go even further! A generous donor has pledged $25,000 in matching funds, meaning
every dollar donated will be matched two-to-one—tripling your impact. To take full advantage of this special opportunity,
donations must be made by December 31st.
