Michael McGuffin Endowment Fund

🎉 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR INAUGURAL POINTS-BASED AWARDS!

For 25 years, Michael McGuffin served as President of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), championing reasonable regulations, proactive self-governance, and the long-term sustainability of the herbal products industry. The Michael McGuffin Endowment Fund — established in 2025 following Michael's passing — honors his enduring impact by fostering leadership, innovation, and knowledge to ensure a vibrant future for the botanical community.

Mission

The Michael McGuffin Endowment Fund — operated and managed by the AHPA ERB Foundation — continues Michael’s legacy of dedication and generosity. Through financial awards and support for individuals, companies, and organizations, the fund creates opportunities for those who work in, advocate for, or benefit the herbal products industry.

The mission of the Michael McGuffin Endowment fund is to:

Nurture new leaders in the botanical world
Curate inspired industry vision to guide the future
Increase herbal knowledge through education and research
Support sustainability in the botanical supply chain and herbal products industry
Sustain AHPA’s mission for generations to come

Remembering Michael

In a heartfelt tribute in SupplySide Supplement Journal, Staci Eisner reflects on their shared journey: Michael McGuffin's life partner shares admiration, memories of their life

Michael McGuffin’s life was defined by generosity, vision, and a profound devotion to both the herbal industry and his beloved home of Venice Beach, California.

In addition to his leadership at AHPA, Michael served on the board of United Plant Savers (UpS) for more than 30 years, where his insight and dedication to plant conservation helped strengthen the organization’s mission. Susan Leopold, Executive Director, shared a moving tribute to Michael in the Summer 2025 issue of the Journal of Medicinal Plant Conservation, featuring reflections from UpS Founding President and “godmother of modern herbalism” Rosemary Gladstar: Honoring Michael

Deeply rooted in Venice, Michael devoted countless weekends to volunteering with Verdant Venice Group (VVG), a grassroots effort to expand the city’s native tree canopy and green its urban spaces.

Shortly before his passing, Michael penned a heartfelt piece for the Venice Beachhead newspaper, recounting his early days co-founding a produce store on the iconic boardwalk — a story of colorful adventures and a deep love for the neighborhood that shaped him: Venice Fruit Tramps

View Additional Industry Tributes ▾

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who oversees the Michael McGuffin Endowment Fund?

The endowment is overseen by a dedicated committee under the American Herbal Products Association Foundation for Education and Research on Botanicals (AHPA ERB Foundation), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing education and research on medicinal, therapeutic, and health-promoting herbs. Michael McGuffin, whose legacy this fund honors, founded the AHPA ERB Foundation in 1997 and served on the foundation's Board of Directors throughout his tenure as AHPA President.

What is the purpose of the endowment fund?

The Michael McGuffin Endowment Fund seeks to provide opportunities to individuals, companies and other entities who work in, advocate for, or otherwise benefit the herbal products industry. The endowment serves to nurture new leaders in the botanical world, curate inspired industry vision, increase knowledge in the realm of herbs, support the viability and sustainability of the botanical supply chain and botanical products industry, and sustain the mission of AHPA for future generations.

How will donations be used?

Every contribution supports the growth and long-term impact of the endowment. Funds will be invested and carefully managed to provide financial awards and support for projects, initiatives, and individuals that reflect Michael’s values: promoting herbal knowledge, sustainability, community leadership, and a thriving future for the botanical products industry.

How do I apply for an award?

The Michael McGuffin Endowment offers financial support through periodic award cycles. To view currently open award application periods and to learn more and apply for an award, visit the Michael McGuffin Endowment Awards page.

Who can donate to the endowment fund?

Anyone — individuals, companies, and organizations — can contribute to the Michael McGuffin Endowment Fund. To ensure fairness and integrity, donations cannot be earmarked for specific recipients, and the fund cannot accept donations with such designations.

What payment methods for donations are accepted?

We gladly accept donations by check (preferred), credit card via PayPal, wire transfer, and ACH payment. Visit the Donate page for more details.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes. The AHPA ERB Foundation, which operates and manages the endowment fund, is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit; therefore, contributions to the Michael McGuffin Endowment Fund are tax-deductible in accordance with law. Donors will receive appropriate documentation for their records.

How can I get in touch with someone about the endowment fund?

We welcome your questions and support. Please reach out to endowment@ahpa.org for inquiries about the fund, award opportunities, or ways to get involved.

Honor Michael's legacy and support the future of herbs and the herbal products industry.

Make a tax deductible donation today and join us in growing the fund to
$1 MILLION!