American Floral Endowment 2026 scholarship applications now open

Applications are now open for the American Floral Endowment's 30-plus undergraduate and graduate scholarships.

Both undergraduate and graduate students studying floriculture and horticulture are encouraged to submit their applications by the May 1 deadline.

Descriptions of each scholarship, along with the undergraduate and graduate applications and requirements, are available here. All scholarship applications are due by Friday, May 1, 2026.

AFE scholarships are broken down into three categories:

• Scholarships for undergraduate students only.
• Scholarships for undergraduate or graduate students.
• Scholarships for graduate students only.

The requirements for applying for scholarships are:

• Be pursuing a career in or related to floriculture or horticulture.
• Be a citizen or resident of the U.S. or Canda or be enrolled in an accredited educational institution in the U.S. or Canada.
• Have a minimum 2.0 grade point average. (Note: Some scholarships may require different grade point averages, which are in their description here).

Most AFE scholarship awards range from $500 to $6,000. These funds are issued jointly as checks in the name of the recipient and the college or institution being attended in the fall. Students selected for a scholarship will be sent a notification by July 1 of each year.

For questions, contact Candice Musgrove at cmusgrove@afeendowment.org.

There are two new scholarship opportunities in 2026:

The Royal Heins International Floriculture Research Scholarship, announced in February 2026, supports semester-long international research experiences that help students grow both scientifically and professionally.

The scholarship will be awarded annually to a U.S. citizen enrolled in a Ph.D. program in floriculture or controlled environment research at a U.S. or Canadian institution. Each award is expected to range from $30,000 to $35,000 and is designed to remove financial barriers that often limit international research experiences.

This scholarship complements the student’s dissertation work by providing access to research opportunities, facilities or expertise not available at their home university. Students must secure a host adviser at an institution outside the U.S. or Canada, reinforcing the fund’s emphasis on global scientific collaboration.

The August “Gus” and Mary Belle De Hertogh Scholarship, announced in February 2026, was established by Mary Belle De Hertogh in honor of her late husband, Gus, who passed in 2018. The scholarship celebrates their shared belief in the power of education and their enduring commitment to supporting the next generation of floriculture professionals.

This annual scholarship provides financial support to undergraduate or graduate students who have demonstrated an interest in floriculture and who intend to pursue a career in the field after graduation, with preference given to students who have shown a particular interest in flower bulbs.

De Hertogh was internationally renowned for his research and expertise in floriculture, particularly in flower bulbs. He developed foundational protocols for forcing bulbs as potted plant crops and was known worldwide for his deep understanding of bulb physiology and crop culture.

Throughout his career, De Hertogh served as a consultant and adviser to dozens of bulb producers and forcers. He freely shared his knowledge with scientists and growers around the globe through books, scholarly articles and lectures. One of his most significant contributions was the comprehensive treatise on bulb crops co-authored with Dr. Marcel Le Nard, "The Physiology of Flowering Bulbs." He was also inducted Society of American Florists Floriculture Hall of Fame

From 1999 to 2014, he served as AFE’s first research coordinator, helping shape the organization’s research program and developing a rigorous and comprehensive research proposal review process to ensure funded projects were both scientifically sound and directly relevant to industry needs — a framework that continues to guide AFE’s research investments today.

“Gus’s greatest joy came from research, teaching and sharing what he learned with others, especially students and young professionals. Those values continue to guide me, and creating this scholarship allows me to honor his legacy by supporting those who are passionate about floriculture and eager to learn,” said Mary Belle De Hertogh, who served as the director of a county Cooperative Extension office and was deeply involved in many aspects of Gus’ work, frequently accompanying him to industry and scientific meetings around the world.

Bill Doran Company Wholesale Education Travel Grant

AFE also announced the creation of the Bill Doran Company Wholesale Education Travel Grant, a new fund created to support continued education and professional growth within the wholesale floral community.

The fund will help strengthen the individuals and businesses that sustain the floral supply chain. This new opportunity assists those working in the traditional wholesale floral segment, as well as professionals involved in the marketing and promotion of floral products, by helping offset travel expenses associated with attending key industry events, conferences and educational programs. 

The fund was made possible through the commitment of Bill LaFever and Chris LaFever, who continue the legacy of leadership begun by their grandfather, the company’s founder, in 1945, and carried forward by their mother, Pat LaFever.

“Education and collaboration have always been essential to the progress of our industry. By supporting travel to meaningful learning opportunities, we hope to help wholesalers expand their knowledge, strengthen their networks and bring valuable insights back to their teams,” Bill LaFever said. “This fund represents our ongoing commitment to investing in the people who keep our industry thriving.”

Each year, one recipient will be selected to receive the reimbursement grant supporting travel to an approved state, regional, national or international floral industry conference. Eligible opportunities include state floral association conventions; national and international events such as WFFSA’s Floral Distribution Conference, the Great Lakes Floral Expo, SAF, AIFD, Cultivate, Proflora; and other programs that provide structured industry education.

Applicants must be owners, managers or employees of traditional wholesale florists. Preference will be given to first-time attendees of the selected conference or event. Applications must be submitted for travel taking place in the year following submission; for example, applying in 2026 for travel in 2027.

Recipients must be able to cover all upfront costs associated with attending the event. Non-owners must include a letter of support from their employer confirming approval to attend and willingness to cover those initial expenses. A review committee will evaluate applications annually based on established selection criteria, which may be updated as needed. As the fund grows, the number of grants awarded each year may also expand.

Applications are due Oct. 1 each year, and applicants will be notified of selections by Dec. 31. Following the attended conference, grants will be awarded within 30 days of receiving confirmation of registration and expenses. Each grant will cover half of the conference registration and travel costs, with a maximum award of $2,000.

This fund joins more than 70 named funds the endowment administers.