HFEE Seeks Grant Applications & Honoree Nominations

Following a successful fundraising gala that netted more than $25,000, the Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education’s annual Star grant application season is in full swing.

The non-profit organization, operated by parent volunteers, raises monies for innovative educational programs and/or equipment beyond what the regular school budget can provide.

Teachers and administrators can click here: HFEE Grant Form Application to access materials. Grant applications must be returned to the Huntington Foundation by December 15 via email at hfeeonline@gmail.com.

The HFEE Star grant program offers teachers and administrators funding for special programs, activities and/or equipment that enriches the core curriculum and furthers students’ imagination and love or learning. Grants typically impact a grade, department or an entire school and can be between $500-$10,000-plus, depending on the program or equipment.

Earlier this year, the organization awarded more than $38,000 to the Huntington School District to fund 14 grants. A sampling of grants includes:

• Huntington High School; Samsung presentation monitors for school guidance counselors to use when meeting with students and parents

• Huntington High School; scientific binocular microscopes designed for children of all abilities

• Huntington High School; Marching band uniforms (in part)

• Huntington High School; stage equipment and music chairs designated for all auditorium performances

• Finley Middle School; large format printer for Virtual Enterprise classes and other programs

• Finley Middle School; Pen lathe and Write a Soldier Program

• Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School; Different Roads to Learning alternatives to desks and chairs to support all types of learners

“We kicked off our grant application season last month and we are also currently looking for nominations for the 2024 HFEE gala honorees,” Huntington Foundation President Jennifer Stevens said.

Grant proposals will be vetted by the HFEE executive board based on:

• Innovation

• Size of impact and benefit to the students

• Sustainability over the years

Grant applications will be selected by the HFEE board and then reviewed and approved by the Huntington Board of Education. Successful proposals will be announced in the spring of 2024.

For additional information, contact Ms. Stevens at jenstevens6140@gmail.com or 917.445.3620.

HFEE plans to hold its annual Reach for the Stars Gala in March 2024. The event will mark the organization’s 31st anniversary.

Each year, the HFEE board selects an honoree from the school district who has made a major impact on the schools and the students of Huntington. The district honoree could be a teacher, administrator, guidance counselor or staff member within Huntington UFSD.

HFEE also honors a community member from the town of Huntington; someone who has had a significant and positive effect on the Huntington community and has demonstrated support of the town, our schools and/or the student population. The only exclusions being the nominee cannot be a current Board of Education member or an elected town official.

To cast a wider net of worthy candidates, the HFEE executive board is asking the Huntington community (teachers, administrators, staff, parents/guardians and students of Huntington UFSD to submit nominations for worthy candidates. The nomination period is open until Friday, December 15.  Please submit your recommendations here

Recent honorees include Huntington High School Dean of Student Support Robert Gilmor III (2023 district honoree), Rev. Kimberly Gaines-Gambino (2023 community nominee), Superintendent James W. Polansky (2022 district honoree), Dr. James Paci (2022 community honoree), Allison VonVange (2020 district honoree) and Bon Bon’s Chocolatier owners Susannah Meinersman and Alice Meinersman, who were the 2020 community honorees.

Ms. Stevens recently caught up with last year’s gala honorees to deliver memento photos books from the event. They were touched by the photos and messages of congratulations from friends, colleagues and family members captured through HFEE’s “30 for $30” program.

“It was a thrill to see Mr. Gilmor and Rev. Kim’s eyes light up as they looked through the books and read the messages of congratulations and thanks for all that they do for the Huntington community,” Ms. Stevens said. “We are starting the search for our 2024 honorees now and look forward to strong field of candidates.”