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New education fund opens doors for Oklahoma florists and students

A new education fund aimed at supporting the professional development of Oklahoma florists and students has been established through a partnership between the Oklahoma State Florists’ Association and the American Floral Endowment.

The Oklahoma Florists’ Education Fund, created in 2025, is a named fund designed to support continued education and skills development across the state’s floral industry. The fund was established using resources previously stewarded by the Oklahoma State Florists’ Association, which transferred the funds to AFE to ensure long-term support for educational opportunities.

“Oklahoma florists have always valued education, and it was important to us that this commitment continue in a meaningful way,” said Lenzee Bilke, an OSFA board member. “Partnering with AFE ensures these resources will continue supporting learning and professional growth for floral professionals across our state.”

Awards will range from $100 to $1,000 and are intended to reduce financial barriers to educational opportunities in Oklahoma and beyond. Eligible applicants may request funding for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Tuition assistance for individuals currently working in the industry to attend design classes and expand skills.
  • Support for retail flower shops seeking to bring outside industry professionals into their stores.
  • Grants for wholesale florists or other industry organizations to host educational programs in Oklahoma. Funds must be used to offset registration fees for attendees.
  • Grants for retail or wholesale florists to attend national or local educational seminars, conventions, workshops and meetings, including the SAF Convention, wire service education programs, AIFD Symposium and regional events.

Grants will be issued as reimbursements after the educational event or program has been completed. Individuals may receive an award once every three years. Applications are due Oct. 1 each year.

Supporting Oklahoma’s floral community

The Oklahoma Florists’ Education Fund underscores a commitment to the future of Oklahoma’s floral industry, ensuring shop owners, employees, wholesalers and students have access to training, resources and inspiration in an evolving marketplace.

The fund joins more than 70 named funds administered by AFE, each supporting a different segment of the floral industry through scholarships, research, internships, education and community programs.

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