The Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF) has opened the Spring round of grants for the 2025-26 school year (the grant guidelines are here and the grant application is here). Any teacher or Anoka-Hennepin Schools employee is able to submit a grant that cultivates innovative and equitable experiences for Anoka-Hennepin students.
“It is because of our generous donors, that these funds are available to teachers and staff to benefit students,” said Tess DeGeest, Executive Director of the AHEF. “Donors make this possible because they care about kids, and they care about education.”
Grant awards further the mission of the AHEF, which is to cultivate equitable and innovative experiences for students in the Anoka-Hennepin Schools. AHEF does not typically fund capital expenses, alternative seating, furniture, or staff development, which are core responsibilities of the district.
After more than 5 years of providing funding, AHEF no longer funds calming tools and/or social emotional learning. "Donors have supplied classrooms, schools, calming rooms, and even early childhood access to calming tools. It’s now time for us to move onto other needs and opportunities. We are especially interested in seeding innovative projects and those that address the equity gap for our students," said DeGeest.
All grant recipients commit to submitting a report on the impact of the grant-funded project along with photos, videos and/or testimonials of the grant’s impact on students. Applications close on Monday, March 31, 2025, with funds available in August for the 2025-26 school year.
Questions about the grant process should be directed to Tess DeGeest at 763-506-1107 or via email at Tess.degeest@ahschools.us.
