When is the deadline for Spark Grants?

The deadline is October 13, 2026.

Spark Grants

Q: How much funding does Spark Grants provide?

Spark Grants provides Varies (Fall 2025: $57,168 total awarded across 13 grants; individual awards range from $360-$12,275) in funding.

HOPKINS EDUCATION FOUNDATION

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Funding Amount

Varies (Fall 2025: $57,168 total awarded across 13 grants; individual awards range from $360-$12,275)

Deadline

October 13, 2026

188 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Spark Grants

Overview: Hopkins Education Foundation's primary grant program that funds innovative proposals from Hopkins Public Schools educators and staff to bring creative projects, learning opportunities, and educational tools to classrooms.

Geographic Scope: Hopkins Public Schools District 270, Minnesota

Status: Active; applications for Spring 2026 closed; next application cycle opens end of summer 2026

Award History: Since 1995, HEF has awarded 613+ grants totaling $4+ million

Focus Areas

HEF funds a wide range of projects including: * Core curriculum and literacy * Technology and innovation * Science equipment * Music and the arts * Health and wellness * Special education * Career and technical education * Hands-on, project-based learning * Outdoor learning experiences * Personalized and experiential education

Eligibility

* Open to Hopkins Public Schools teachers and staff * Projects must benefit Hopkins students * Fresh, innovative ideas prioritized over recently funded similar projects

What HEF Does NOT Fund

* Items the district is supposed to supply * Projects similar to those funded in past few years (lower priority)

Contact Information

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

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

Selection Criteria

* Impact and measurable outcomes * Clear, concise project descriptions * Tangible results and returns on investment * Fresh, innovative approaches * Alignment with HEF's mission to spark passion, creativity, and critical thinking

How to Apply

Application Timeline (Based on Recent Cycles):
* Concept form due: September 22 (optional but recommended)
* Full application due: October 13
* Awards announced: End of October/early November

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Review Guidelines: Carefully read all grant guidelines and focus areas on HEF website
2. Do Your Homework:
* Understand what HEF funds vs. what the district funds
* Research past Spark Grants (searchable directory available)
* Ensure your project is not similar to recently funded grants
3. Submit Concept Form (Optional but Recommended):
* Use the concept form to get coaching and feedback
* Provide general outline of your idea
* Ask clarifying questions
* Receive feedback to strengthen full application
4. Complete Full Application:
* Keep writing clear, concise, and punchy
* Summarize background/context in 2-3 sentences
* Describe project in 1-2 paragraphs
* Avoid educational jargon; define all acronyms
* Include specific, measurable outcomes
* Use AI tools to edit for clarity and conciseness

Required Application Content:
* Project background and context
* Clear project description
* Specific, measurable success metrics and impact
* Budget and requested funding amount
* How success will be measured (tangible results, test score improvements, engagement increases, etc.)

Application Tips

* Keep applications clear and concise (not a "novel") * Focus on impact and outcomes - explain how you'll measure success * Define any acronyms and avoid jargon (grant reviewers may not be educators) * Use the concept form as a conversation to refine your idea * Re-applicants: incorporate feedback from previous applications * Treat the concept form as coaching opportunity * Use AI tools to make writing "nutrient dense"

Notes

* Concept form is optional but highly recommended * Applicants who engage with concept form process tend to be more successful * Grant reviewers are passionate about education but most are not educators by trade * Re-applications welcome if feedback has been incorporated

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