American Floral Endowment awards 17 organizations $60,700 in educational grants

The American Floral Endowment awarded 17 organizations educational grants totaling $60,700 for 2025-2026.

The majority of AFE-funded projects focus on attracting young people to the industry or are educational endeavors to identify and solve industry needs and challenges. This year’s funding will support a diverse range of programs, from hands-on workshops and courses to national conferences and online training that connect people and ideas.

“Educational opportunities are a cornerstone of industry growth,” said AFE Education Committee Chair Adam Van Winkle of Stadium Flowers. “With the continued support of our donors, these grants open doors for students, professionals and organizations to learn, adapt and thrive.”

The 2025-26 educational grants were awarded to:

• America In Bloom: America In Bloom Educational Symposium 
• American Institute of Floral Designers: Bringing FFA to AIFD 2026 Symposium in Orlando, Florida
• American Society for Horticultural Science: ASHS 2026 Annual Conference
• Colorado State University: Nature Fit
• Great Lakes Floral Association: 2026 Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo
• Iowa State University: Midwest Greenhouse Short Course
• Joliet Junior College: Experiential Learning at Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo 
• Kansas State University Horticulture and Natural Resources Department: Continuing the Project of Making Floral Design Instruction Accessible to All FFA Programs and Students
• The Ohio State University: E-Gro Alerts and Blogs
• The Ohio State University: Ohio Floriculture and Nursery Education Conference
• Penn State University: 2026 National Floriculture Forum Conference
• Seed Your Future: Careers in Bloom
• Society of American Florists: Next Gen LIVE!
• South Dakota Floral Association: South Dakota Floral Association Annual Convention
• University of Florida: Greenhouse Training Online 
• University of Georgia: Thrips Talk 
• Wisconsin & Upper Michigan Florists Association: 2026 WUMFA Annual Convention

"These grants empower industry organizations to share knowledge, spark innovation and nurture talent at every stage of a floral career. By encouraging lifelong learning and collaboration, these programs help create a stronger, more resilient industry," AFE said in a news release. "AFE congratulates all of this year’s recipients and celebrates the impact their work will have in classrooms, greenhouses and event spaces across the country."

Applications for educational grants are due June 1 each year. Learn more and apply here.