About Us
Welcome & Introduction
Welcome! The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is the trusted source and catalyst for floriculture advancement through funding innovative research, scholarships, internships, and educational grants that best serve the dynamic needs and demographics of all industry sectors.
AFE is a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to AFE are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law.
AFE Tax ID: 23-6268380
The Endowment is an autonomous organization; however, we actively collaborate with national and state floral associations and other organizations to combine forces to support the advancement and growth of the entire industry. Our vision is a strong, unified floriculture community fostering innovation and growth to better connect people to flowers and plants in everyday life.
Heard of the American Floral Endowment?
Who supports the Endowment and why?
The need for research and education is vital for any industry to grow, adapt, and thrive. Our industry is precious to us – and to all consumers. Together, we can work to provide longer-lasting, better-quality flowers and plants to everyone and foster education now and for future generations.
Growers, wholesalers, retailers, allied trades, associations, and individuals have contributed to the Endowment since its inception in 1961. Three simple facts explain why companies and individuals support our work:
- Research and education are the lifeblood of any industry
- No single company can afford to fund these needs of our industry
- Industry companies can multiply resources to address these needs by contributing to the Endowment
Our Core Focus Areas
Paid Floriculture Internships
Learn More
Scholarships for the Next Generation
Learn More
Educational Grants
Learn More
AFE has sponsored much of the modern research that benefits the industry, from funding studies on pest and disease control to marketing and media research.
Contributions to the Endowment’s corpus directly result in consistent, stable increases in grant funding. Earnings from the corpus provide annual funding dollars.
As the corpus grows, the dollars available for funding will grow.
Today, the portfolio has grown to approximately $23 million, with more than $1.5 million available for annual allocations. AFE is comprised of a volunteer Board and several committees that evaluate research and scholarship proposals. The Board oversees the Endowment’s portfolio and ensures funding is designated for the industry’s greatest needs.
Contributions in any amount are welcome at any time through cash, insurance policies, marketable real and personal property, stocks, bonds, and planned giving methods.
Our vision is strong!
AFE represents a strong, unified floriculture community fostering industry innovation and growth to better connect people to flowers and plants in everyday life
The Endowment understands the important role research plays in sustaining the future of floriculture. Through the collaborative efforts of AFE and its academic partners, relevant, industry-driven research is being conducted every day in universities around the country, and critical data is being provided that drives positive change. The Endowment is committed to widely and effectively disseminating the research and educational results of all its funding efforts.
Knowledge and information prepare the foundation for understanding. The Endowment is committed to fostering understanding by initiating and maintaining industry-funded programs. The programs aim to deliver responsive and useful statistical and marketing data to provide insight into the floral industry market while leveraging the cost and availability to all.
Spirit, talent, and ability dictate an industry’s growth. The Endowment is committed to funding programs supporting education and professional development to attract, encourage, train, and improve industry human resources. Resources must be known and understood to make a difference.
The Endowment is committed to widely and effectively disseminating the research and educational results of its funding efforts.
Who receives funding?
Funding is given to many projects ranging from those that address large-scale industry issues like Thrips and Botrytis to popular industry education and resources. Floriculture, ornamental, and environmental horticulture funding supports research at top land-grant universities nationwide. Statistical collection/information programs are administered from the Endowment, and new crop and development programs are sponsored at the USDA. Educational funding involves administering collegiate internship programs, supporting the Floriculture Forum, state and national industry educational programs, Future Farmers of America programs, national floral competitions, and sponsoring events to highlight career opportunities in the industry.
View Our Fact Sheet
Download the PDF
Contributions make things happen!
Contributions are welcome at any time!
Special tribute plans such as Memorial, Corporate, and Living Tributes provide opportunities to recognize and honor others in a lasting and meaningful way. Named Funds are a way to create a corporate or family legacy.
Levels of giving provide recognition to all who support the Endowment’s important work. All contributions pertaining to giving levels are cumulative and never expire.
Thank you for your support of AFE!
Learn more about the American Floral Endowment
Looking For Funding?
AFE is committed to supporting research that advances the industry and combats current challenges. This research benefits every segment of the industry. We welcome new research proposal applications by August 1st of each year.
Awarding scholarships for floriculture and horticulture students is a primary function of AFE. We understand the financial burden students face and are doing our part to help! Applications for our over 30 scholarships are due on May 1st of each year.
AFE strongly believes in funding educational programs to promote and strengthen the floriculture industry. The majority of the programs funded are wide-reaching and focus on attracting young people to the industry or are educational endeavors to identify and solve industry needs and/or challenges.