Connecticut Nurserymen’s Foundation
About the Foundation
The Connecticut Nurserymen’s Foundation is an industry-sponsored endowment providing funds for scholarship and research in Connecticut.
The mission of the Connecticut Nurserymen’s Foundation is to raise capital for a tax-exempt endowment fund. The proceeds of this fund provide scholarships in the field of horticulture and support research to benefit the nursery industry.
The fund is built from donations, bequests and fund-raising functions. Scholarships and research grants are derived by interest and dividends engendered by the endowment fund. The principal of the endowment fund cannot be disturbed, therefore, gifts to the fund are sure to provide benefits well into the future.
The Foundation was created by the Connecticut Nurserymen’s Association in 1996. It is a separate corporation from the Association, however, all active members of the Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association are automatically members of the Foundation. The staff of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and the Plant Science Department of UCONN are also members.
The five directors of the Foundation are drawn from this membership and serve three-year terms. The Foundation has its annual meeting in conjunction with the CNLA annual meeting in January of each year.
Click the “Donate” button below to make a donation to the Connecticut Nurserymen’s Foundation.
2025 Scholarship Information and Application
CNLA Member scholarship
- Part Time Horticulture Students
- Training Programs/Certification Courses in the field of Horticulture
Because we believe that many of the potential long-term employees of our industry are gaining their education slowly, on a part time basis, while working, CNF will sponsor part time horticultural education. CNF has allocated $1,000 for this program.
Click here for more information and the application.
Howard Jennings Scholarship
The grant will be in the amount of $500. This is a one-time grant to a CT student, who has been accepted by the University of Connecticut, majoring in the field of Horticulture in either the 2 or 4-year program.
Click here for more information and the application.
Michael johnson Scholarship
This scholarship is for students who are a non-traditional learner. They will be considered on their enthusiasm, diligence, aspirations, and potential as a valued member of the horticultural field. The CT Nurserymen’s Foundation believes that these factors should not be considered limitations to success in our industry. Instead, we want to offer an opportunity to allow all individuals who are looking for assistance to have a fair and unbiased chance to be recognized for what they can offer the industry.
If you have a love of plants and are interested in going into the nursery/horticulture field and this describes you, we urge you to apply for this scholarship. CNF will fund one student in the amount of $2,500 per semester/$5,000 per year.
Click here for more information and the application.
Lud and Marie Hoffman Scholarship
The applicant must be accepted into a course of study beneficial to the Horticultural industry. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Ornamental Horticulture
- Landscape Design
- Nursery Management
- Greenhouse Management.
The scholarship grant will be $5,000 per year, renewable if the student maintains academic eligibility in college.
- Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA).
- Students must be residents of the State of Connecticut, and may attend either in state or out of state institutions. The student must be a high school senior or currently enrolled at the college level, majoring in a horticulture related field.
All completed and signed applications must be received by the Foundation no later than the deadline on the application. No application will be considered without the following:
- Copies of the Student Aid Report (SAR)
- Copies of Financial Aid Award letter (if received)
- At least two letters of recommendation
- High school records, transcript and SAT scores or college transcript for those already enrolled in a college level program.
- A copy of the Letter of Acceptance from the college, if available. If not available, forward to the CNF office no later than the deadline.
The scholarship will be based on academic achievement, financial need, and non-school work related to horticulture. The candidate will be selected May 1, 2025.
Click here for more information and the application.
Contact Us
Connecticut Nurserymen’s Foundation
c/o James Messier
16 Lynn Drive
Vernon, CT 06066
Phone: 860-729-2433
Email: ctnurserymen@gmail.com