About Us
The American Floral Endowment…Who We Are.
The American Floral Endowment is the leading not-for-profit, non-governmental source for floricultural/environmental horticulture research and development funding in the United States. Tax deductible contributions make funding resources possible and support it’s work for a stronger & better floral industry. Click Here to meet the Board of Trustees.
Where we are:
The American Floral Endowment office currently resides at the Society of American Florists (SAF) headquarters located in Alexandria, Virginia. The Endowment entered into a contractual agreement with SAF which saves the organization administrative expenses. The support received from SAF allows the Endowment to dedicate more funds to support our mission of funding research and education for the entire floral industry. Our mailing address is:
American Floral Endowment
1601 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-5211
Fax: (703) 838-5212
At AFE our Purpose is simple:
To further the advancement of education and science in the field of floriculture through (i) funding research and studies in the floriculture field, the results of which will be published, and (ii) financing scholarships and internships for students interested in floriculture.
Concentrating on:
- Scientific research
- Educational and professional development
- Wide, effective dissemination of research & educational information/results
Our Vision is Strong!
Strong research and development sustains any industry’s growth, the Endowment is committed to generating and allocating dollars to fund scientific research responding to industry guided needs, promoting cooperative and non-duplicative research projects and producing results.
Knowledge and information prepare a foundation for understanding. The Endowment is committed to fostering understanding by initiating and maintaining industry funded programs delivering responsive & useful statistical and marketing data to provide insight into the floral industry market while leveraging the cost and availability to all.
Human 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 Supports the Endowment and Why?
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 is 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
Who Receives Funding?
Industry priorities guide funding awards. Floriculture, ornamental and environmental horticulture funding supports research at top land grant universities throughout the United States including Cornell, University of Florida,University of California, Michigan State University, Ohio State University and many others.
Statistical collection/information programs are administered from the Endowment and new crop and development programs are sponsored at USDA.
Educational funding involves administering collegiate internship programs, supporting Future Farmers of America programs, national floral competitions, scientist sabbaticals, the National Junior Horticulture Association, the American Horticultural Therapy Association and sponsoring media designed to highlight career opportunities in the industry.
Contributions Make Things Happen!
Contributions are welcome at any time and in any legitimate form including cash, insurance policies, marketable real and personal property, stocks, bonds and planned giving methods.
Special Tribute Plans are available providing opportunities to recognize and honor others in a lasting and meaningful way. They include Memorial, Corporate and Living Tributes.
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.
