The Holmdel Foundation for Educational Excellence (HFEE) is excited to announce that the 2026-2027 Innovation Grants application process is now open for teachers, staff, and students! The HFEE Innovation Grant supports innovative and creative projects that enhance the school curriculum and enrich the learning experiences of Holmdel’s Pre-K through grade 12 students. 

For the year 2026-2027, each Innovation Grant for teachers is $3500, and for students, it is $2000.  This year, due to an increase in financial commitments, HFEE Innovation Grant will be able to award a smaller number of grants than the previous year - therefore, the application review process will be even more rigorous.  

The 2026-2027 Innovation Grant mini-grant application link for STUDENTS can be found here.  

 The 2026-2027 Innovation Grant mini-grant application link for TEACHERS/STAFF can be found here.  

  • All Student applications must be submitted to the Building Principal no later than February 20th, 2026. No extensions to this deadline will be granted.   
  • All Teachers/Staff applications must be submitted to the Building Principal no later than February 20th, 2026. No extensions to this deadline will be granted.   
 

INNOVATION GRANT ELIGIBILITY - Our Process

The HFEE Innovation Grant Review Committee evaluates the Innovation Grant applications, with a limited number of grants awarded annually.

Phase 1 – All students and staff complete the Grant application by the deadlines provided. During the application and implementation process, supervisors serve as advisors for teacher applicants, and faculty serve as advisors for student applicants.  The advisor’s role is to provide guidance and support to applicants. Innovation Grants may be submitted by individuals or groups of applicants.

Phase 2 - The HFEE Innovation Grant chairperson and the HFEE chair review the submitted applications with the Superintendent or a District-appointed supervisor to determine which applications should be further reviewed by the Innovation Grant Review Committee. 

Phase 3 - The finalists are carefully evaluated by the HFEE Innovation Grant Review Committee. The committee may reach out to the finalists for follow-up questions concerning their applications.

Phase 4 - The Grant Committee then votes on finalists and presents the suggested grants for funding to the HFEE Board of Trustees for a full board vote. 

Phase 5 - All grant applicants are notified if their grant has been accepted.  The school district will notify applicants if their grant has been denied.

Phase 6 – Applicants with funded grants can begin the fulfillment process with the school district to obtain the materials they need to implement their projects

HFEE GRANT CONTACT
Chandana Rao, HFEE Innovation Grant Committee Chairperson
[email protected]


*all dates for review and approval of applications are targets and subject to change.