Grant opportunities for NJ public school employees
The NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education makes it possible for public school employees to receive grants that will help them bring creative ideas to life.
The only foundation of its kind in New Jersey, the Hipp Foundation supports initiatives to promote excellence in education. More than $2.1 million in grants for innovative educational projects that represent a bold, fresh approach by public school employees has already been awarded. Apply for a Hipp grant and bring your innovative ideas to life.
Apply for a Grant

The deadline to apply is March 1, 2021.
If you have Hipp questions please use the contact below.
Sharing Kindness
Morris County educators Amanda Miranda and Susan Ort from Washington Township Schools, were awarded a $5,720 grant to carry out a project at Benedict Continue reading
Sensory Garden and Mindful Peace Garden
Our Sustainable Selves: Let’s Get Cooking!
Learning Begins at Birth: Supporting Our Future Students
Kickstart Kindergarten Backpacks
In My Shoes, I am Ready to Choose
Healing Library
HAWKS Leadership Program
Finding Our Voices Through Creative Writing and Reading
Cotton Blooms & Looms: A Garden Learning Project
Character Traits A-Z: Student-Driven Alphabet Book for Peers
ACCESS to the Links
Dazzled by Diversity
Purchase an engraved brick paver
You or your association can show your support for the Hipp Foundation by purchasing an engraved brick paver outside the main entrance to the NJEA Continue reading
Your donation is tax deductible…
Your donation is tax deductible, and provides support to public education in New Jersey. Contributions to the Hipp Foundation, including the Pathway Continue reading
Finding Our Voices Through Creative Writing and Reading
Mercer County educator Lisa McGhee from Princeton Public Schools, was awarded a $6,000 continuation grant to carry out a project at John Witherspoon Continue reading
The Magic School Bus: Teaching Literacy Through Real World Experiences
STEM Activities in the Early Childhood Classroom – Phase 2
Learning Begins at Birth: Supporting Our Future Students
HAWKS Leadership Program
ACCESS to the Links
Cub’s Discovery
STEM PALS²
Future 10 (2)
Books LIVE II
Future 10
Grow Eat Learn A School Garden Project II
Oyster Farming II Restoring New Jersey s Oyster Reefs
The Outdoor Learnscape II
Not the turnpike Not the parkway II
Search Video Library for Project Ideas
READ MORE ABOUT THE HIPP FOUNDATION
Established in 1993, the NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education was created to provide opportunities for school employees to expand their visions of excellence in our classrooms and schools. The Foundation honors the memory of Dr. Hipp, former NJEA executive director.
Dr. Hipp developed an “NJEA approach” to field work and public relations that won national acceptance. As executive director, he oversaw a period of dramatic growth for NJEA. Membership increased from 27,000 to 110,000. Staff increased from three people to 159. Under his direction, NJEA became THE voice of public school employees in New Jersey.
Nationally, Dr. Hipp served on many NEA task forces and strongly influenced NEA’s goals. He served on national education commissions and consulted with federal policymakers. Internationally, he worked with the World Confederation of the Organizations of the Teaching profession in countries from Switzerland to Ethiopia. When he retired in 1978, he continued to work to further the causes of public education and school employees.
The NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education is not meant as a funding substitute for programs, supplies, or equipment that school districts should provide. Instead it encourages projects that are truly innovative and exploratory in nature.
Initially funded by NJEA members who donated more than $1 million, the Foundation is supported by contributions from businesses, local and county associations, and individual members.
Although members apply for a “generic” Hipp grant, the NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Grant Selection Committee may choose to designate the following discretionary grants:
Dolores T. Corona Grant for Mathematics – Dolores T. Corona was a former math teacher, long-time NJEA member, NJEA staff member, and director of NJEA Government Relations. Upon her retirement, a grant was created to honor her dedication to the Association and her love of mathematics.
James P. Reilly Grant for Professional Action Research – James P. Reilly served as the NJEA Director of Research and Economic Services for 31 years. This grant honors the indelible mark he has left on NJEA’s commitment to professional development and action research.
Leonard Koch Grant for Mathematics – Leonard Koch began his career at NJEA as associate director in the Research Division, and then served as Manager of Personnel. After many years, Len returned to the Division of Research and Economic Services as its director. Upon his retirement in 2005 after 36 years of service, a grant was established honoring Len’s outstanding ability in mathematics.
Edithe Fulton Grant for the Arts – Edithe Fulton began her career in education as a classroom teacher before serving her first term as an officer of NJEA. A staunch advocate for members and public education, Edie continued her service as an officer until retiring after completing her fourth two-year term as president in 2005. To honor Edie’s dedication to education and love of the arts, a grant was established upon her retirement.
Joyce Powell Grant for Students with Special Needs – Joyce Powell served as an officer of NJEA until retiring after completing her term as president in 2009. This grant was named in recognition of Joyce’s dedicated service and advocacy on behalf of NJEA and the New Jersey students, particularly those with special needs.
Kate Megargee Grant for Writing and Journalism – Kate Megargee was a producer for NJEA’s television show Classroom Close-up, NJ, and passed away in 2013. Kate worked on the show for 15 years and produced about 285 segments. This discretionary grant is for project that focus on journalism, media production, and writing.