DonorsChoose

What DonorsChoose is

DonorsChoose is a free web service connecting donors with public school teachers seeking classroom resources. Teachers request supplies or project items, donors contribute, and DonorsChoose orders and ships funded goods to teachers. Teachers can sign up and post projects without paying. Classroom Essentials offers curated basic supplies with no minimum request, and items ship as funding comes in. Classroom Projects draw from a catalog of more than 1 million products from over 20 teacher-favorite stores, including Lakeshore, Amazon, and Staples. Those projects require a $100 minimum and can remain posted for up to four months. If a project misses its goal by then, donors can redirect contributions to the teacher’s next project. Projects are reviewed before posting, typically within five business days. Eligible users are full-time educators at public or public charter schools who work directly with students, subject to detailed eligibility rules. DonorsChoose says it vets requests and reviews projects for student privacy; parent or guardian permission is required for photos showing students. Teachers are asked to send donors a thank-you package with two photos showing the funded project in action. Founded in 2000, the nonprofit is headquartered in New York City.