As of December 2025 the National Bonsai Foundation, a non-profit supporting the National Arboretum in Washington, DC, concluded operations and passed its responsibilities and assets to the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA), the PBE and a few other organizations. 

The PBE board thanks the NBF for its generous support and encourages you to learn more about the NBF, and the role of Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) as the new supporting organization for the National Arboretum.  Here is the full detail from NBF's website:

Thank You for 40+ Years Supporting the Art of Bonsai

After more than four decades of preserving and promoting the art of bonsai in America, the National Bonsai Foundation concluded operations at the end of 2025.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported our mission and shared in our commitment to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum, and to championing the living art of bonsai. As the Arboretum moves forward under a new partnership model, Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) will serve as the Arboretum’s sole nonprofit partner.

We encourage you to continue supporting the Museum and the art of bonsai. We are confident that with your dedication and generosity, the Museum will continue to flourish for generations to come under the care of FONA, in partnership with the U.S. National Arboretum.

Thank you for everything you do to help ensure that bonsai no kokoro, the spirit of bonsai, continues to thrive in the nation’s capital and around the country.

For questions during this final phase, please contact Bobbie Alexander at balexander@bonsai-nbf.org.

Questions about future support and stewardship can be directed to Claire Alrich at FONA at calrich@fona.org.

The NBF Board of Directors extends its deepest appreciation to all supporters.

To learn more about supporting the PBE please visit the Donations and Sponsorships page or email us!