How much funding does Annual Special Projects provide?

Annual Special Projects provides Varies by project (e.g., Outdoor Opportunities: $73,901 raised) in funding.

When is the deadline for Annual Special Projects?

The funder has not published a deadline for this grant.

How often is Annual Special Projects offered?

Annual Special Projects runs on an annual cycle.

Annual Special Projects

Hopkins Education Foundation

Foundation Annual Grants for Education Grants for K-12 Schools Grants for Youth Programs Environmental Education Grants

Funding Amount

Varies by project (e.g., Outdoor Opportunities: $73,901 raised)

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Annual
Tracked since: April 2026

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Overview

Each year, Hopkins Education Foundation partners with Hopkins Public Schools on a large-scale special project that will have a districtwide impact. These special projects fund significant initiatives that benefit multiple schools and large numbers of students across the district.

Geographic Scope: Hopkins Public Schools District 270, Minnesota

Current Project: Outdoor Opportunities (2024-2026)

Project Goal: To inspire Hopkins students to develop outdoor and leadership skills, build community, and experience joy and connection to the natural world through camping, hiking, canoeing, and similar activities.

Funding Raised: $73,901 (goal exceeded at Royal Bash fundraiser on March 1, 2025)

Project Components:

Elementary: Fifth-grade trip to YMCA Camp Ihduhapi
Middle School: Eighth-grade trip to YMCA Camp Ihduhapi
High School: Camping trip to Willow River State Park for 120 students
Outdoor Gear Expansion: Expand Hopkins High School inventory of camping, hiking, and outdoor gear to ensure equitable access for low-income families
Outdoor Opportunities Fund: Endowment for future outdoor trips and outdoor learning projects at schools

Project Rationale:

Average Minnesota middle school student spends ~10 hours/day on screens but less than 10 minutes outdoors
Outdoor learning brings academic concepts to life
Encourages creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and environmental connectedness
Research shows nature time promotes better mental health, lowers anxiety, boosts mood, improves focus
Provides hands-on, experiential learning that cannot be replicated in traditional classrooms