Awesome Fund

Hopkins Education Foundation's grant program that provides modest grants to registered new or existing student clubs at Hopkins Public Schools. The Awesome Fund supports student-led ideas that help other students, enhance the community, or heighten students' educational experience and their interest in school.

Geographic Scope: Hopkins Public Schools District 270, Minnesota

Award History: To date, HEF has funded 42 Awesome Fund grants totaling $39,753 (as of January 2026)

Endowment: $100,000 endowment fund established in May 2025 to ensure long-term funding for student clubs

Eligibility

• Registered new or existing student clubs
• Must have a faculty adviser
• Open to Hopkins Public Schools students

Funding Purpose

The Awesome Fund aims to:

• Encourage students to follow their dreams
• Support involvement in existing clubs or creation of new clubs
• Provide learning experiences in leadership skills
• Build school community engagement
• Enhance sense of belonging for club members
• Provide valuable experience for college/job applications

Application Process

• Students work with club adviser to write grant proposal and budget
• Application process serves as learning experience
• Grant receipt enhances college/job applications

What It Funds

Past funded clubs include:

• Bullet Journaling (North Middle School, winter 2023)
• Midori a cappella singing club (Hopkins High School, fall 2022)
• Technocrats robotics (West Middle School, spring 2022)
• Boys Volleyball (Hopkins High School, winter 2023)

Contact Information

Website: hopkinseducationfoundation.org

Organization Type: 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Tax ID: 41-1808042

Background

The Awesome Fund was created by an anonymous 2009 Hopkins alumnus who received $1,000 from the school district to start a new club in high school. Crediting his club involvement with much of his success in the technology industry, he established the fund to pay it forward. The anonymous donor, with support from friends and family of Ethan Lang (class of 2009), initially funded the program with $50,000. The fund has grown to a $100,000 endowment.

How to Apply

Application Process:

1. Form a Club: Register or establish a student club with a faculty adviser
2. Work with Adviser: Club students and faculty adviser collaborate on grant proposal
3. Prepare Proposal and Budget: Students write proposal outlining:
   • Club purpose and goals
   • How funds will be used
   • Timeline and activities
   • Expected impact and outcomes
   • Detailed budget
4. Submit Application: Submit completed proposal and budget to HEF (contact information below)

Required Materials:

• Grant proposal
• Budget with itemized expenses
• Club adviser signature/approval
• Club registration documentation

Application Benefits

• Application process serves as valuable learning experience in proposal writing and budgeting
• Grant receipt adds valuable experience to student resumes
• Strengthens college and job applications

Submission Information

Contact HEF for current application guidelines and submission procedures:

Hopkins Education Foundation
1001 Highway 7, Suite 243
Hopkins, MN 55305
Phone: 952-988-4097
Email: HEF@hopkinseducationfoundation.org