October 20, 2026
ANOKA, MINN. – The Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF) recently awarded the second round of grant funds for school projects and students totaling $34,097 in grants for the 2026-27 school year. These funds complement an earlier round of grants in May 2026 and perennial grants that AHEF funds each year for a total of $132,051 in funds awarded for this school year.
AHEF received 27 grant requests. “Many of these grants reflect the district’s strategic priority of improving literacy for all students.” said Tess DeGeest, executive director of the AHEF. “It is a testament to the teachers and staff who are able to do more to benefit their students.”
Two schools asked for funding for author visits to inspire students to become writers, while others focused on building Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills with hands-on learning tools.
A list of the grants awarded is here.
In addition to these annual grants, AHEF will continue to support after school activities for middle and high school students through the Middle School Engagement Fund and Chance Fund as well as other perennial grants like dictionaries for all third graders, and credentialing exams for students going directly into their career after graduation.
“Our donors make these grants possible,” said DeGeest, “Thank you to everyone, teachers, administrators, staff, parents and community partners, for making these equitable and innovative experiences possible for our students.”
The next round of AHEF grants will open in January 2027 and will be for the 2027-28 school year. For more information on AHEF grants go to www.ahef.us or email Tess.degeest@ahschools.us.
