Uplifting Future Educators and Scientists: 2025 Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family Scholarship Recipients

Four graduate students working to elevate the horticulture industry have been honored for their accomplishments through two academic scholarship programs administered through the American Floral Endowment (AFE).  Andre Truter, a master’s degree student at North Carolina State University, is the recipient of the 2025 Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship. Andre will receive a total of $10,000 ($5,000 each for two consecutive years) to help fund his education.  Three students received the 2025 Altman Family Scholarship, a $5,000 award for each. Those students are Rose Elbert, a master’s degree student at Michigan State University; Henry Gonzalez, a doctoral student at Michigan State University; and Bret Timmons, a doctoral student at North Carolina State University. The Paul Ecke, Jr. and Altman Family scholarships…

R.I.S.E. to Support Floral

AFE Launches 2025 Fundraising Campaign to Provide for Growth and Innovation Held Virtually Between Thursday, May 15th – Monday, June 30th The American Floral Endowment (AFE) invites the floral community to once again R.I.S.E. to Support the future of floriculture. The annual fundraising campaign runs from May 15 through June 30 and encourages the floral community to come together and give back to the industry we all love.R.I.S.E. stands for Research, Internships, Scholarships, and Education—four pillars that help ensure a strong, sustainable floral industry for generations to come. Every dollar raised supports programs that solve real challenges, nurture young talent, and provide trusted resources for businesses of all sizes. Now more than ever, funding for research and education is vital…

Applications Now Open for 2025-2026 Educational Grants!

Applications are now open for AFE's 2025-2026 Educational Grants. The deadline for all educational grant applications is June 1, 2025. AFE has three different educational grant opportunities to help fund wide-reaching industry learning programs that provide solutions and focus on ongoing and new educational opportunities. Demaree Family Floriculture Advancement Grant | New in 2025!  AFE's newest opportunity is the Demaree Family Floriculture Advancement Grant, which is accepting its first applications in the 2025-2026 cycle. This grant supports special projects or programs addressing critical or timely challenges within the floral industry, and focuses on initiatives that create meaningful impacts through resources, education, or advancements that benefit the industry as a whole. Apply here. Educational Grants During the 2024-2025 cycle, AFE awarded nearly $64,000 to support 19 educational programs for organizations, universities, and industry groups that are…

2025 Milestones: AFE Named Funds Celebrate Special Anniversaries and Impact!

Big milestones deserve big celebrations! In 2025, we’re recognizing eleven incredible anniversaries for our Named Funds and programs, ranging from five years to over 50 years of impact.  For six decades, AFE has been providing for industry growth through research, education, and programs that fuel growth and innovation. None of this would be possible without the visionaries and industry champions who have established legacy funds to support the floral industry for generations to come. These funds are making a real difference, and we are excited to celebrate their ongoing impact! Celebrating 50 Years! Mosmiller Internship Program For half a century, the Mosmiller Internship Program has been a gateway for students seeking hands-on experience in the floral industry. The program was…

Rising Star: Joshua Dick, University of Rhode Island, Named 2025 Paul Thomas Intern of the Year

Each year, one rising star in the horticulture and plant sciences fields is recognized as the Paul Thomas Floriculture Production Intern of the Year for his or her exceptional performance during internships provided by the Vic & Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program administered through the American Floral Endowment (AFE). The 2025 Paul Thomas Floriculture Production Intern of the Year is Joshua Dick of Coventry, Rhode Island. As the winner, Josh will receive travel funds as needed and paid registration from the Vic & Margaret Ball Fund to attend Cultivate ’25, AmericanHort’s annual convention for the green industry. This year’s event will be held in July in Columbus, Ohio, and provides opportunities for networking, tours, workshops and learning more about industry trends. Joshua will also receive free registration…

Memorial Tribute Established Honoring Herman Meinders

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has announced a Memorial Tribute to honor the life and contributions of Herman Meinders, a visionary entrepreneur, devoted philanthropist, and esteemed leader in the floral industry. Herman passed away on March 30, 2025, at the age of 87. This tribute was established by AFE Past Chairman Red Kennicott of Kennicott Brothers, a longtime friend of Herman’s, in recognition of his profound impact. Born and raised in Pipestone, Minnesota, Herman’s journey from a small farming community to a leader in the floral industry is a testament to his determination and vision. With just 20 cents to his name, he set out on a path that led him to establish American Floral Services (AFS) in 1970 in Oklahoma City. Under his leadership, AFS became one…

From the Field: Fresh Growth, Fresh Insights

Spring is officially here—finally! After a long winter, there's nothing quite like the promise of fresh growth, longer days, and, of course, spring flowers in the landscape and garden centers. At AFE, it also marks the start of a new season of travel, grower visits, and industry events, which I love because it brings me back to my roots. (Another thing I love - plant puns!) Before joining AFE, I spent years in university extension, helping translate research and scientific information into practical resources. In many ways, I still do the same thing at AFE —just on a broader, national scale. With our funded research, monthly Grow Pro Webinar series, Sustainabloom, and more, I often think of AFE as Cooperative…

The Node Knows: Cracking the Code on Faster Growth

For greenhouse growers, the speed at which plants develop new nodes (where the leaves, branches, buds, and new growth emerge) plays a crucial role in efficiency and profitability. Faster-growing plants mean quicker turnaround, higher cutting yields, and better adaptability to different growing conditions. Recent research from Michigan State University, supported by the American Floral Endowment, has uncovered new insights into the genetic regulation of growth rate in petunias. These discoveries could have far-reaching implications for breeding faster-growing, more energy-efficient ornamental plants across the industry. Faster Growth Means More Profits The speed at which a plant grows—specifically, how quickly it produces new leaves and branches—has a big impact on greenhouse production. A faster-growing plant can mean: Shorter production times, allowing for…

AFE and Seed Your Future Thank New Bloom Solutions and Sponsors for Providing for the Next Generation

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) and Seed Your Future (SYF) extend their heartfelt gratitude to New Bloom Solutions and all the sponsor collaborators whose generous contributions will help inspire and educate more students about the rewarding career opportunities within floriculture. Their support ensures that young people nationwide are introduced to the diverse and dynamic world of flowers and plants, fostering the next generation of horticulture professionals. In addition to supporting student education, these contributions will further AFE's efforts in funding vital research, scholarships, and educational resources to strengthen the floral industry. This marks the third year that Seed Your Future has received funds from this event, allowing the organization to expand its reach and impact. Through these contributions, Seed Your Future has also established new…

On the Road to Educate: Bringing Our Programs to the Industry

Spring is kicking off as a busy season for the AFE team! From Board Meetings, to industry events, our team has been hard at work spreading the message about AFE and our latest programs, like Sustainabloom, with the industry. Meeting with professionals from across the nation also helps us to hear about current challenges, needs, and areas where AFE programs can help. Pre-Valentine’s Day Miami Experience First up, Michelle Van Norden, Manager of Development and Donor Engagement, took a trip to Miami with Rob Shibata, President of Mt. Eden Floral, ahead of Valentine's Day to see the flower operations during the busy holiday rush. Rob, with his many years of experience in the industry, invited Michelle, who is relatively new…

Get Involved with AFE

Make an Impact

Ways to Give

Volunteer With Us

Opportunities