Applications Open for the AHEF’s Spring round of grants for 2026-27 School Year
The Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF) has opened the Spring round of grants for the 2026-27 school year (the grant guidelines are here and the grant application is here). Within the grant application form, there is an embedded video walking you through the application process and form. Any Anoka-Hennepin Schools teacher or employee is able to submit a grant that cultivates innovative and/or 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. "AHEF is 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 Tuesday, March 31, 2026, with funds available for the 2026-27 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.
Also, new this year, below is a list of colleagues who have received AHEF grants in recent years. Each of them has agreed to answer questions and/or serve as a mentor to new grant applicants.
Jodi Abrahamson, Community Education
Alexandra Erickson, Brookside Elementary
Chad Libby, Coordinator for Learning and Achievement
Denise Collins, Student Services
Mikki Paul, Anoka Middle School
Shannan Edelheit, Roosevelt Middle School
Matt Van Zee, Roosevelt Middle School
Jen Legatt, Jackson Middle School
Julie Scullen, Jackson Middle School
Yashkumarie Premsukh, Regional High School at Sandburg
Dustin Rupprecht, Anoka High School
