Each year, the Holmdel Foundation for Educational Excellence funds "mini-grants." These are considered to be innovative projects that will enhance the school curriculum and enrich the learning experience for students, said President Doreen DeMarco. 

Since 2005, the HFEE has doled out $109,398.00 through fundraising efforts, which represents 20 percent of the money donated to the HFEE, DeMarco said.

To compete for a mini-grant, a staff or student applicant must present a project the committee says is realistic and worthwhile. The monetary request can range from $200 to $1,250. The winners are announced in June. 

In 2010-2011, the group received requests to fund over $40,000 in mini grants. After applying its own guidelines, the HFEE Mini-Grant Committee agreed to fund $15,630. 

The Board of Education accepted the donations, "with gratitude," from the HFEE at the June 29 meeting. Below are the winners.