AIFD Foundation

The American Institute of Floral Designers Foundation was established in 1979 as an independent, non-profit, 501c3 organization with endowed funds providing scholarships to floral design students and aspiring floral designers. Education that impacts the future of floral design is supported through grants from the AIFD Foundation. The funds, established within the AIFD Foundation, are permanently restricted to ensure that those honored will forever be remembered.

Michael Merritt AIFD was one of the most influential designers of his time. His artistic combinations of flowers were oftentimes styled with fruit, branches and selected foliages, transforming the simplest of botanicals into exquisite works of art. His designs were featured in Flowers& magazine. His design presentations were revered for not only his distinctive style but also for the inspiration each revealed. Retail ownership began in Modesto and later led to Carmel and a shop called Twigery where his floral art continued to inspire each and everyone who strolled past the front window to experience the beauty of his displayed creations. To contribute aifdfoundation.org/DonateOnline.

Bill Taylor AIFD was widely known for his unwavering commitment to his fellow florists and to the floral industry as a whole. The relationships he built throughout his career were deeply meaningful, especially to those fortunate enough to call him a friend. His early contributions to AIFD continue to shape the Institute today. Alongside Past Presidents Ralph Null AIFD and Teresa Riddle AIFD, Taylor helped write the bylaws that govern AIFD, & later worked with Ralph Null to develop the AIFD Code of Ethics—words still spoken during the induction ceremony as new members join the Institute.

Taylor served as AIFD Symposium Chair in 1987 & co-chaired again in 1990 with his close friend & Past President Allen Beck AIFD. He served as AIFD President from 1988–1989, received the Award of Distinguished Service, and was named a FELLOW of the Institute in 1991. For decades, he also served as a Trustee of the AIFD Foundation, contributing during the period when the Foundation achieved its landmark “March to a Million” goal.

Taylor began his career at a garden center in Sonoma, California, where he discovered his love for flowers, plants, & shrubs. He later opened Taylors of Sonoma, a destination shop known for imaginative displays using antiques and found objects.

After selling the store, he moved into product development, where his keen understanding of trends, color, & materials became legendary. He worked with several companies, including traveling to China for product development, & was a sought-after designer for trade & exposition shows.

A passionate student of design, Taylor drew inspiration from an extensive library of books & magazines, meticulously cataloging ideas by theme. He generously shared this system & his knowledge through countless programs on the AIFD Main Stage & across the country. As a member of the American Floral Services design team & a contributor to PFD magazine, his influence was far-reaching. His humor, kindness, & enduring sense of style continue to inspire the floral industry.

PANTONE announced Color of the Year "Cloud Dancer" as "A Whisper of Tranquility and Peace in a Noisy World”. You may recall “Whisper” was included as one of five 2025-2026 American Floral Trends® presented by J. Keith White AIFD in collaboration with selected trend consultants and designers. This trend takes the embodiment of flowers, ephemeral and impermanent properties, to the next level with a nod to the air element. It derives inspiration from a gentle breeze, new beginnings and a sense of weightlessness with arrangements that create an effortless sense of movement and grace. The AIFD Foundation is honored to support the research and development that leads to these findings!

Today, we express heartfelt appreciation to the members of the Arkansas Florists Association for endowing an AIFD Foundation Named Fund in honor of Bill Plummer AIFD.

A 1947 graduate of Plumerville High School, Bill Plummer attended the University of Central Arkansas, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1951 to go on to teach High School English. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956, where he received numerous honors. Upon his discharge, he taught school in Salinas, California, before returning home to Plumerville.

Bill opened Plummer’s Flowers in 1958 and operated the retail store for 41 years, retiring in December 1999. He decorated floats for the Tournament of Roses Parade and designed florals for the inauguration of President Bill Clinton.

He was a longstanding member of the American Institute of Floral Designers and the Arkansas Florist Association, where he held the titles of President and Secretary.

Chris Norwood AIFD, a former President of Arkansas Florists Association, shared that "When I think of Arkansas floristry, there is only one name that comes to mind and that name is Bill Plummer.”

To the members of the Arkansas Florists Association, this tremendous accomplishment is to be commended in that the name Bill Plummer AIFD will be associated with your organization in perpetuity due to the endowment of this fund.

"Thankful Thursday" is launched today in a most appropriate way. The first part of our mission statement is "to provide financial support for educational purposes…” By definition, purpose is the reason something exists. Purpose can guide life decisions, influence behavior, shape goals, offer a sense of direction, and create meaning. May we continue to work together, with purpose, to expand possibilities. Today, we thank each of you involved in this process, whether you are an applicant, an evaluator, or a member of the Board of Trustees. Our purpose leads to unlimited possibilities!

Today’s the deadline but there’s still time! Application Deadline is today at 11:59 p.m. EST!
aifdfoundation.org/scholarship-applications

ICYMI Scholarship Application Deadline is October 15th! There are opportunities whether you’re a first timer or have attended AIFD Symposium on numerous occasions! Plan now to ELEVATE your education and make the most of the numerous possibilities! We’re here to help! It’s what we do!
aifdfoundation.org/scholarship-applications

ICYMI Would you like to attend one or more business sessions at your state association event or at a national floral convention? This scholarship provides those opportunities! Understanding the business of flowers will add to your success! Application Deadline is October 15th!
form.jotform.com/FloralEdu/2026-lol-business

Do you attend the University of Missouri? Are you a teacher, instructor or student residing in the North West Region? If so, take a look at the new possibilities to help add to your Lifetime of Learning!
aifdfoundation.org/scholarship-applications

ICYMI Is membership in AIFD in your near future? We can help with that! The Professional Floral Design Evaluation (PFDE) will take place prior to AIFD Symposium in Orlando in 2026! This scholarship provides AIFD Symposium registration and partial PFDE enrollment. Application Deadline is October 15th!
form.jotform.com/FloralEdu/2026-a-lol-prof-symp