Blog
Michael McGuffin Endowment Fund raises $175K with matching challenge
December 2, 2025
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is pleased to share significant progress with the Michael McGuffin Endowment Fund, which has reached $175,000 in donations since the launch of the Vitality Works matching challenge. On this Giving Tuesday, AHPA invites individuals and businesses to honor the legacy of herbal champion and longtime AHPA President Michael McGuffin by contributing to the fund and taking advantage of the remaining matching funds to double their impact.
The Michael McGuffin Endowment Fund was established to honor McGuffin's dedication to the herbal community and will provide lasting financial support for critical AHPA initiatives, including advocacy, education, and research benefiting the herbal products industry. The fund is operated and managed by the AHPA ERB Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by McGuffin in 1997 and dedicated to advancing botanical education and research.
Mitch Coven, founder of Vitality Works and longtime AHPA member and trustee, generously pledged $100,000 in matching funds through the Vitality Works Endowment Fund. With $175,000 raised so far, Vitality Works is still matching donations to the Michael McGuffin Endowment Fund — up to $100,000 total — through March 31, 2026, to accelerate the fund's growth toward its $1 million goal.
“We are thrilled by the initial response to the endowment fund and the matching challenge,” said Graham Rigby, President & CEO of AHPA and the AHPA ERB Foundation. “The funds we've raised so far demonstrate the depth of respect and gratitude the industry and herbal community has for Michael. This Giving Tuesday, we invite all who were inspired by Michael's life and work to support his legacy and the future of herbs and the herbal products industry through donations to the endowment fund or the AHPA ERB Foundation.”
All donors to the Michael McGuffin Endowment Fund are recognized on the AHPA website for their support. In addition, donors who contribute $1,000 or more before March 31, 2026, are inducted into the Founders' Circle — a special honor that acknowledges those who have made a timely and substantial commitment to the fund and its mission.
To honor Michael McGuffin's legacy and double your impact this Giving Tuesday, please make your tax-deductible donation today.
