American Floral Endowment: 2025 — A Year In Review
Primary American Floral Endowment logo | American Floral Endowment (AFE)
As the year wraps up, join American Floral Endowment (AFE) in celebrating its many accomplishments across our industry. Thanks to the generosity of donors, AFE has continued making meaningful strides to fund programs that strengthen the floral community.
American Floral Endowment 2025 Highlights:
Research Programs
- More than $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 more than $100,000, supporting education, new programs, floral design, and young professionals’ development.
- 5 travel grants awarded to retail florists continuing their education.
Additional 2025 Highlights
- New resources through the Sustainabloom program – 20+ SustainaGuides, industry spotlights, news, and resources on sustainability within the floral industry.
- More than 20 free educational and training webinars through Grow Pro, Floral Marketing Fund, Young Professionals Council, Sustainabloom, and Thrips & Botrytis, presented by expert speakers.
- More than 100 members in the Young Professionals Council, which fosters networking and professional growth for emerging leaders.
2025 AFE highlights graphic. | American Floral Endowment (AFE)
Growing Demand and Holiday Giving
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 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 donor support, AFE can broaden its impact and ensure no potential goes untapped. During this holiday season, consider including AFE in year-end giving.
And now, gifts can go even further. A generous donor has pledged $25,000 in matching funds, meaning every dollar donated to AFE will be matched two-to-one — tripling its impact.
To take full advantage of this special opportunity, donations must be made by Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Together, this community can keep innovation blooming for the future of floriculture.
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