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Applications Open for the AHEF’s second round of grants for 2025-26 School Year

The Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF) has opened the Fall 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/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 Wednesday, October 1, 2025, with funds available 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

Also, new this year, below is a list of colleagues who have received AHEF grants in the recent past. 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, Teaching and Learning Specialist

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, Teaching and Learning Specialist

Yashkumarie Premsukh, Regional High School at Sandburg

Dustin Rupprect, Anoka High School

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