Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education

Funding bold, innovative projects from New Jersey public school employees since 1993.

Apply for Funding
Open Now 2027–28 grant applications are open. Start your application before the March 1 deadline.

What the Foundation Supports

The Hipp Foundation funds "research and development" work — not routine supplies or equipment a district should already provide.

Research & Development

Bold, exploratory approaches to teaching and learning.

Educational Access

Expanding opportunity for every student.

Staff Renewal

Reinvigorating educators throughout their careers.

Cultural Diversity

Recognizing and celebrating diversity in our schools.

Professional Development

Growth opportunities for school employees.

1993
Year Founded
$2.7M+
Awarded in Grants
33
Years of Impact
1
Only Foundation of Its Kind in NJ
Dr. Frederick L. Hipp

Honoring Dr. Frederick L. Hipp

The Foundation honors former NJEA executive director Dr. Frederick L. Hipp, whose "NJEA approach" to field work and public relations won national acceptance and helped grow NJEA from 27,000 to 110,000 members.

Read His Full Story

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 National Education Association (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.

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.

Eligibility Rule

Article V, Section 5 of the By-laws of the NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education, the following eligibility exclusions apply: "No member of the Board of Trustees, the Advisory Committee or the Grant Selection Committee shall have or obtain a financial interest in any contract, grant or award made by the Foundation to any person or entity." The Hipp Board of Trustees consists of the individuals who comprise the Executive Committee of the New Jersey Education Association.

Deadline

Grant applications are accepted through March 1* of every year. Proposals must be submitted through the online portal and finalized with three electronic signatures on or before March 1*. After your application is reviewed, you'll receive an email directing you to share a copy with your local president and superintendent/college president before requesting their electronic signatures.

Apply for a Hipp Grant

1

Already registered? Log in and start a new application, or continue one you started under "My Applications – Incomplete."

3

Complete, proof, save, and finalize your application before the deadline. Chrome is recommended, but the portal works with the latest version of any major browser.

4

Once your application is reviewed, you'll receive an email with instructions to collect your three required signatures — project coordinator (you), local association president, and superintendent/college president.

Ready to fund your idea?

Questions about this grant opportunity or the online application process?

hipp@njea.org

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