AFE Travel Grant Created for Arizona Retail Florists

AFE travel grant was created for retail florists in Arizona to pursue floral industry educational or design events.
The Arizona Retail Florist Education Travel Grant was established to serve traditional retail florists located in the state of Arizona. The fund initially was created through the efforts of Ken Young AAF while a member of the AFE Board of Trustees. Initial funds to establish the Grant originated from the defunct FTD District 8K with additional initial funding requirements coming from an Arizona floral industry member. The value of the fund has the ability to continue to increase with contributions from industry members made to AFE that are designated for the fund.

Each year, one recipient will be selected by AFE’s Education Committee to receive the travel grant of up to $1,000 to help cover the cost of attending an out-of-state industry educational event. The grant is open to owners, managers, and employees of traditional retail florists with a brick and mortar storefront in Arizona.

“This new grant gives Arizona retail florists a great opportunity to attend a major national event and further their education within the industry,” said AFE Trustee Ken Young, owner of Phoenix Flower Shops in Arizona.

Examples of eligible opportunities include:

Floral design schools
SAF Convention
FTD Boot Camp
Floriology Institute
Teleflora Academy Events
SAF Profit Blast
State or Regional Floral Conventions
Cultivate
PFCI classes
AIFD Symposiums
and more!

The exception to the out-of-state travel requirement: a national program (like SAF Convention/AIFD Symposium) is held within Arizona. Due to this, it would still allow for exposure to fellow out-of-state retail florists and floral industry members.

“The Endowment is opening new paths on ways to support education and industry programs,” said AFE Executive Director Debi Chedester. “This grant is a perfect example of how industry contributions can be used to establish new offerings and programs.”

The application deadline for this grant is October 1 each year. Download the Arizona Retail Florist Education Travel Grant Application.

The 2021 recipient was Patti Klawans, Designer at Mayfield Florist in Tucson, Arizona

“It was wonderful seeing old friends and meeting new ones during the week. I’m excited to bring all the techniques and ideas to my job and classes,” Patti said while reflecting on her experience in her AIFD Report.

“Thank you to the American Floral Endowment for contributing to my education in our wonderful floral industry. This is such a great opportunity for continuing education.”

Past recipients:
2021: Patti Klawans of Mayfield Florist — 2022 AIFD Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada
2019: Bre Schindler of PJ’s Flowers & Events – Due to Covid 19 AIFD 2020 was canceled.
2018: Martha Aaron of Sedona Mountain High Flowers in Sedona, Arizona — 2019 AIFD Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada
2017: Karen Crawford of God’s Garden Treasures – 2018 AIFD Symposium in Seattle, WA

Arizona Retail Florist Travel Grant Application

Personal Information:
Full Name*
Title*
Employer*
Cell Phone*
Home Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country
Email*
Years in the Industry*
Employer Information
Company Name*
Phone*
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country
Website*
Years in the industry*
Number of Employees*
Travel Grant Request
1. What industry event are you attending with the benefit of this educational grant?*
Date of Event:*
Event:*
Location:*
2. What is the estimated cost of attending the event? (include travel, hotel, registration fees, etc.)*
3. How will any amount in excess of this educational grant be funded for the event you have selected?*
4. Has your employer agreed to allow you time off to attend this event?*
5. List your current and past employers for the last five years*
6. List any floral industry organizations that you or your current employer belong to:*
7. List your past or present leadership roles within the floral Industry or your local community:*
8. List any industry awards or recognitions you may have received?*
9. What industry events or educational opportunities have you attended in the past 5 years (include dates and locations):*
10. List any previous scholarships or grants you have received in the past. (include organization, dates and amount)*
Documents to Upload
Upload Personal Statement*
A personal statement indicating why you should be considered for this grant, why you have selected the event requested, and how it would potentially impact you and your career in the floral industry.
Upload Letter of Recommendation*
A letter of recommendation from an individual in a position of responsibility that can objectively speak to your qualities and why you should be considered for this educational grant. Individuals can include a former employer, instructor, wholesaler, retailer, or other floral industry member. The individual CANNOT be a relative or current employer.
Upload photo of your current employer's exterior retail storefront*
Upload photo of your current employer's exterior showroom*