LHEF Grant Program

 

What is the Grant Program?

 

The Grant Program gives teachers and administrators the opportunity to apply for grants supporting creative and innovative programs, equipment, and technology within the Long Hill Township School District. The total amount funded each year through LHEF depends on the budget that is available each year.  The program aims to support a balanced portfolio of grants across disciplines, grade levels, and schools.

 

Grant Guidelines

 

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Grant?

Any teacher, staff member, principal, or administrator in the Long Hill Township School District. 

 

Budget & Deadlines

 Request Size  Annual Budget   Deadline   Considered At

 Under $500

 $25,000 total

 Rolling (September   through May)

 Monthly Grant Committee meetings, must be   received at least one week prior to meeting

$500 or more*

 Same $25,000   pool

 October 1 or  March 1  for consideration on an   annual basis

 October & March meetings only

 

Requests of $500+ also require Superintendent or Business Administrator approval.

 

How to Apply — Step by Step

  1. Get approval first: Discuss request with your administrator (and the Director of Curriculum, if curriculum-related).
  2. Research pricing: Compare suppliers and choose the best price. Skip sales tax (LHEF is tax-exempt) but include shipping/handling. 
  3. Submit the Grant Request Google Form: Requests are due at least 1 week before the monthly meeting to make that month's agenda. Late submissions roll to the next month. Find the form under "Apply for a Grant" on the LHEF website. Attach your best supplier price quote to the Google Form.
  4. Meeting:  The LHEF Grant Committee will notify you when your request is received and you'll be notified of the meeting date.  You are encouraged to attend which lets you answer committee questions directly.
  5. Get the decision: The LHEF Board will notify you as to whether your request was approved and if so, next steps (fund handling, receipts, etc.) with the Board of Education business office.

Process After Approval

Under $500: Voted at monthly meeting → funds donated to district at next BOE meeting → ordered by LHEF/BOE → purchased via approved vendor/PO.

$500 or more: Presented at Oct/March meeting → funds donated at next BOE meeting → ordered by BOE office.

 

What Qualifies

✅ Reusable/long-lasting items (books, games, equipment)

❌ Single-use or take-home personal items for students

❌ Items already purchased or scheduled before the request

❌ Anything creating a recurring expense (e.g., subscriptions)

 

What's Excluded from Funding

  • Programs/equipment already funded at your school by any source (exception: new to your school but proven successful elsewhere in the district — go ahead and apply)

  • Items that replace standard BOE-funded programs or compulsory curriculum materials (e.g., textbooks)

  • Programs/equipment already funded at your school by any source (exception: new to your school but proven successful elsewhere in the district, go ahead and apply)

  • Basic/standard equipment: typical computers, tablets, printers, copiers, projector screens, monitors, bookshelves, desks, tables, rugs (unless used in an innovative/transformative way)

  • Routine consumable supplies normally provided elsewhere

  • Food and transportation

Note: These are guiding principles. LHEF retains discretion to fund (or not) outside these guidelines.

 

Shopping Resources

  • Amazon — amazon.com
  • School Specialty — 1-888-388-3224 · schoolspecialty.com (21% discount + free shipping)
  • Classroom Direct — 1-800-248-9171 · classroomdirect.com