Most conversations about school funding in Minnesota revolve around federal and state dollars or the lack thereof. Local investments in education get a lot less attention. And that's a shame. They matter, too.

One group making a big difference for Minnesota schools are local education foundations, often working behind the scenes to channel financial resources to thousands of children. Most metro-area school districts have one of these nonprofit organizations working closely with school leaders to support their efforts.

Some of the typical contributions made by school foundations include: funding grants to teachers for innovative projects, buying classroom computers, supporting student scholarships and organizing tutoring efforts.

Making a big difference for the school district it supports is the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation, which was established in 1990.

During the 2013-2014 school year, the foundation awarded more than $95,000 in grants.

Among the projects it funded was installation of "Buddy Benches" at all of the elementary schools in the district.

The benches are designed to encourage social interaction between students at recess. If a child doesn't have a playmate, they are encouraged to sit at one of the Buddy Benches to let others know.

The effort, which was spearheaded by an Anoka-Hennepin parent, was funded by the foundation to the tune of about $13,000.

The foundation also supports an annual dictionary give away for all third-graders.

The dictionary program stems from a long-term partnership between the foundation, area rotary clubs and Connexus Energy. Each kicks in money to buy the dictionaries, which also include information frequently found in encyclopedias.

"We participate in this project every year because it is so important to our students," said Tess DeGeest, the foundation's executive director. "These kids look forward to third-grade and getting their own dictionary. Many have older siblings who got them so they are all excited to get their very own. It has become a sort of a badge of honor."

The dictionaries were distributed this year just before classes were let out for the winter break.

And even in this high-tech world, DeGeest said the students are extremely grateful for the dictionaries.

"Seeing their sheer joy in having their very own dictionary combined with their genuine gratitude — at a time when some of us wonder a bit about the consumer-driven nature of our society, it is truly heartwarming to see kids excited and thankful for the simple gift of a dictionary."