Between them, these amazing educators have created more than 500 fully funded projects. Now, they're giving you the inside scoop on the best way to set your project up for success. All four of the teachers below began their DonorsChoose journey as novices, unsure how to bring resources to their students through the site. We wanted to know how they got from there to here, so we asked them: What's the one thing you wish you'd known before creating your first request? Here's what they had to say.

Break It Up‍

Mr. Stuart

I wish I'd known that smaller projects are easier to get funded than larger projects. At first, I was asking for everything I would want for a given activity or unit — say, all 40 books that I needed — and some projects weren't getting funded. But then I started breaking projects down — say, into four separate ten-book projects — which increased the frequency with which I ultimately received the materials I needed.Breaking up projects is important because I think donors feel that their contribution is most likely to result in a funded project when there's less money left to go. This is challenging for teachers because what we really need is the 100 books for our classroom library or the entire set-up of science lab equipment or what-have-you, and breaking up a request can feel clunky or inefficient. But my one piece of advice would be to figure out how to break your biggest-vision classroom needs down into $100–$200 projects. Whenever my projects have under $100 remaining, they are almost always completed by generous strangers.

(Dave writes about teaching at DaveStuartJr.com.)

Shop Around‍

Ms. Gionti

When shopping for your project, it can be easy to go overboard; there are lots of things we need and can use in our classrooms. While limiting the number of items in your virtual shopping cart can help your proposal get funded, so can comparison shopping. Shop around for classroom items (especially big-ticket items) just as you would for a major personal purchase. If you search for low prices, your total project cost will be lower — and proposals that are under $600 are most likely to get funded. At first, comparison shopping through the online vendors is a bit daunting —so many choices! Although it might seem easier to stick with the vendors you're familiar with, don't be afraid to branch out and explore others. For example, even though I regularly shop on Amazon (and they have amazing prices), sometimes the books I'm requesting for my class can be found cheaper through AKJ Books. You don't need to check out every vendor all at once (although you may want to eventually), but do check out a few different ones when filling your cart.

Feel the Love

‍Mr. Andy

Before I created my first project, I wish I had known how willing my family and friends were to help my students. I did not turn on Facebook notifications at first, but — luckily — a company was willing to help fund my request. Since that first project, you wouldn't believe how many people (some of whom I haven't spoken to in a long time) were willing to support my classroom. DonorsChoose helped me connect with old friends.

I also wished I had known how willing some parents were to help. I only started asking parents when I was in my second year of being a DonorsChoose.org teacher. I always felt that families who have kids that attend public school shouldn't be pressured to contribute money. However, many parents are proactive in their children's education and, if they can't afford to help, will spread the message along.

Write It Down

‍Ms. Baugher

I wish I'd known how to articulate the ways that ordinary classroom supplies impact student outcomes and achievement. I was overwhelmed with excitement when I first learned about DonorsChoose, thinking about all the supplies I wished I could get for my classroom. But when I started creating my first project, I ran into trouble articulating why my request was important: My first-graders need Play-Doh for rainy-day recess, but will donors really understand why it's a priority? Scene-by-scene story cards will help strengthen reading comprehension, but what if donors think it's just an unnecessary game? Putting the impact of ordinary classroom supplies into words took me awhile to master, but I've now received a total of over $6,000 worth of supplies through DonorsChoose.To write about my project, I start by imagining a perfect day in my classroom: what are students doing? What are they learning? And finally, what are the resources and supplies that get them there? The answer to this final question serves as the beginning of the written portion of my project. Once I've written about the supplies I need, I address the other questions I asked myself, explaining how these resources will contribute my vision for my students.Now that I organize my thought process in this way, I can explain, for example, how whiteboard markers facilitate phonics development, which is critical for my students' success in first grade and in life.

Click on any of the teachers' names above to get inspired by their wonderful projects... or create your own!

You go above and beyond for your students. That’s why you landed here in the first place. However, getting others excited about your classroom projects can be a challenge, whether you're time-strapped and nervous or enthusiastic and looking to branch out. Fortunately, there are so many ways to share your DonorsChoose projects that you can advocate for your students in a way that works for you. Which tools are a good fit? Answer the flowchart questions, then scroll down to get your strategies.

Didn’t find the perfect fit? Pick and choose from the ideas above to create your own personal strategy and push your project across the finish line. Ready to begin? Get started with these helpful links: Seize current Funding OpportunitiesCustomize your teacher page and URLShake your fist at the skyRead more about sharing your DonorsChoose.org projects

You go above-and-beyond for your students, so posting a DonorsChoose project is a natural next step. But how do you make sure your request receives donations? Here are six teacher-tested techniques to advocate for your students, rally supporters, and reach your goal.

Email friends and family.

‍When reaching out for support, there’s no substitute for a personalized request. Email has proven to be the #1 tool teachers use to get their DonorsChoose projects fully funded. Explain to those you know why your request is important to you and your students, and don't forget to include the link to your project. (Get more tips about using email effectively.)

Spruce up your teacher page.

‍Your DonorsChoose teacher page is an online representation of your classroom. Make it shine with an engaging classroom image, teacher profile photo, and fantastic blurb about your students. (Here’s a great example.) Then customize your teacher page link and put it everywhere: your email signatures, your blog, your classroom newsletter, your school website… the list goes on!

Use social media to your advantage.

‍Take it to the next level by taking advantage of key project moments to post on social media. (Click the link for images to make your social media posts pop!) Whether you prefer Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or another channel entirely, there is no shortage of opportunities to encourage supporters.

The new old-fashioned way.

‍Sometimes, there’s nothing like word-of-mouth to garner support. Telling a great student story between sets at the gym? Talking up your classroom with your book club? Chatting with friends over an after-work drink? Let them know about your project and how they can help your students.

The gift that keeps on giving.

‍Every time you thank a donor, you build momentum for your next project and strengthen your connection with your classroom supporters. Responding to each donation on your project page is important, but you can also send an extra thank-you to donors you know personally, or shout-out your newest supporter on social media.  We believe so strongly in the power of gratitude that we use it to drive our business model.

Use what you’ve already got.

‍The easiest fundraising technique? Letting us do some if it for you! Throughout the year we partner with corporations and foundations to help fund a wide variety of projects. Before you post your next project, see what opportunities are available in your state.

Don't just take our word for it. Get advice from teachers who've been there.

Nervous about reaching out? Find the perfect fundraising strategy for you.

We want to share the love with you! One of the best parts of working at DonorsChoose.org is seeing the thank-you notes that students write to donors who help their classrooms. Below are just a few of our favorites from this year. (Hold onto your hat; this gets very adorable, very quickly.)

‍

‍15. Objects in thank-yous are larger than they appear.

14. Liliana explores the effects of tablets on the brain.

13. Just in case you're that Dale, Jr...

12. Jacob vs. The Other Kids

11. ...So, so much.

10. Kemani draws herself painting (and, in the process, masters the art of the meta-thank-you).

9. A new twist on an old aphorism:

8. The BodyWorlds exhibit puts things into perspective.

7. Owls are so in right now.

6. Smelly Markers make everything better.

5. Emily Dickinson gets a rewrite. I’m impressed. Are you impressed? I’m impressed.

4. The many uses of the iPad Mini:  

3. Teacher’s mom helps classroom, gets glimpse into future.

2. In case you had any doubt that helping a classroom makes you a superhero... The Donator Dudes!

1. Sometimes the best thank-you is simple, earnest, and heartfelt.

See more thank-you notes and read about the philosophy behind them here.

When we wanted to figure out what characteristics best describe the teachers who use our site, we went straight to the source. In our teacher newsletter, we included a one-question survey: What are three words you would use to describe yourself as a DonorsChoose teacher? An overwhelming number of insightful responses (from 4,574 educators!) came in, and below is a look at how they add up. (Note: The size of each word is proportional to the number of times it was suggested.) Take a look:

Agree? Disagree? Have a great word to add? Teachers, need school supplies for your classroom? Plenty of websites let you raise money from your own social network. DonorsChoose gives you much more. We’re the one place where you can reliably get funding from people you’ve never met and foundations that love to support teachers. In fact, 75% of classroom funding comes from the DonorsChoose community of generous people and partners.

‍

The top 10 responses had the most mentions by far. They were:

1. Creative
2. Dedicated
3. Passionate
4. Caring
5. Grateful
6. Innovative
7. Excited
8. Motivated
9. Resourceful
10. Determined

The rest of the top 100 or so, in alphabetical order:

• Adaptable 
• Adventurous 
• Advocate 
• Amazed 
• Ambitious 
• Appreciative 
• Awesome 
• Blessed 
• Busy 
• Collaborative 
• Committed 
• Compassionate 
• Concerned 
• Curious 
• Cutting-edge 
• Devoted 
• Different 
• Driven 
• Eager 
• Effecting 
• Empathetic 
• Empowered 
• Encouraging 
• Energetic 
• Energized 
• Engaged 
• Engaging 
• Enthusiastic 
• Exciting 
• Experienced 
• Flexible 
• Focused 
• Fortunate 
• Forward-thinking 
• Friendly 
• Frustrated 
• Fun Funny 
• Generous 
• Giving 
• Growing 
• Happy 
• Hard-working 
• Helpful 
• Honest 
• Hopeful 
• Humble 
• Humbled 
• Imaginative 
• Inspired 
• Inspiring 
• Inventive 
• Invested 
• Invigorated 
• Involved 
• Kind Leader 
• Learner 
• Learning 
• Loved 
• Loving 
• Loyal 
• Lucky 
• New 
• Nurturing 
• Open 
• Optimistic 
• Organized 
• Overwhelmed 
• Patient 
• Persistent 
• Positive 
• Prepared 
• Proactive 
• Professional 
• Reflective 
• Resilient 
• Respectful 
• Risk-taker 
• Student-centered 
• Successful 
• Supported 
• Supportive 
• Technological 
• Tenacious 
• Thankful 
• Thoughtful 
• Trustworthy 
• Understanding 
• Working

You already know your chances for full funding are much higher when project cost is low. But how do you pull this off without sacrificing materials that your students need? We’re inspired by the creative ways DonorsChoose teachers keep their costs low and success levels high.

‍Breaking Up is Wise to Do

‍This back-to-school season, Mrs. Smithpeters funded $1210 worth of books for her classroom. She must have posted an impressive project!

Except she didn't. She posted four impressive projects.

Mrs. Smithpeters divided her book needs into groups, each priced well under $400. Now her room is stocked with engaging favorites like Nate the Great, Dork Diaries, and Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots—all titles that her students helped select—as well as issues of Scholastic News.

Same iPad, Double the Benefits

‍Technology costs add up quickly. On average, projects that have tech components total much more than those that don’t. Mrs. Matthews wanted to incorporate more technology into her classroom, but didn’t have enough equipment to go around.

Instead of additional tablets or laptops, Mrs. Matthews successfully funded a project for headphones and splitters, making the most of the tech tools she already had. This way, she explains, her kids can “listen to a story, watch an instructional video, or complete assignments while sharing an iPad or computer.”

She continues, “My students' learning needs will be met. They will also be able to work effectively with technology, a necessary part of preparing students for living and working in the 21st century.”

‍Mrs. Riker Keeps It Simple ‍

Sometimes, your classroom just needs that big-ticket item. Mrs. Riker knew she wanted a rug large enough for all of her students to sit together. Rugs can be expensive, but by creating a one-item project, she kept the price low and her mission clear. Add to the mix her fantastic essay about the ways in which the rug would affect every student on a daily basis, and you have the recipe for success.

She describes the unfurling: “The day we rolled out our rug, we sat on it for a few minutes and just enjoyed the newness. After that, it was time to get down to business, learning about the continents, oceans, poles, equator, and compass rose.”Try to look at her pictures without smiling.

Don’t worry. I couldn’t do it either.

This story originally appeared on NBC News

Comedian and talk show host Stephen Colbert on Thursday announced he is giving back to schools in his home state of South Carolina — funding some 1,000 grants made by public school teachers on education crowdfunding site DonorsChoose.

Colbert announced at a teacher’s panel in Greenville Thursday morning that he, along with organizations Share Fair Nation and ScanSource, are donating $800,000 to fund every one of the classroom projects listed by the site.

"Excuse me. Excuse me," Colbert said in a video made by DonorsChoose.org, interrupting the panel. "Did I just hear that South Carolina has never been flash-funded? … I am shocked." The comedian, who attended South Carolina public schools, then said he would be using the proceeds from the auction of his old “Colbert Report” set to fund the grants, along with matching funds by his partnering organizations. Colbert is a member of the board of directors at DonorsChoose.org, according to the organization.

Christopher Pearsall, a spokesman for DonorsChoose.org, told NBC News the announcement took place during their annual partner's summit and they used the occasion to surprise South Carolina elementary school teacher Damon Qualls, who participated in the panel at Alexander Elementary School."Everyone was really shocked and excited to see how this will impact individual classrooms in the state," Pearsall said.

Qualls, who will have five projects funded from Colbert’s announcement, said he was "speechless" following the news."We are so grateful," Qualls said in the video. "I’m actually speechless. This is unbelievable."The donations will fund grants requested for more than 800 teachers at roughly 375 schools, Pearsall said, with projects ranging from paying for books and paintbrushes, to field trips and technology for classrooms.

This story originally appeared on Fox News by Laura Ingle

Alice Kunce was elated to start a job as a remedial reading teacher in Arkansas. Then she arrived at her classroom and reality set in:

I walked into a classroom as a remedial reading teacher with zero books in the room and zero bookshelves. My school gave me $200. That's it. I had no working stapler. No hole puncher. One pair of scissors. No trays. I'll stop there. Let's just say that I write my name on a ton of stuff in my room because it comes out of my own pocket.

What's even more shocking is that Alice could be considered one of the lucky ones.The Harrisburg School District in Pennsylvania made headlines in 2011 when the high school didn't even have enough pencils for students to take a required state exam. Many teachers receive no funding for classroom supplies. Several online forums have tried to connect donors in America (and abroad) to help provide teachers with basic classroom items.‍

Reddit Gifts, part of the popular social media platform Reddit, started aiding teachers in 2012. Educators are asked to send the site a short list of what they lack. The most common items? Photocopier paper, whiteboard markers, pencils/crayons/markers, construction paper, and safety scissors for kids...

‍Donors Choose is an even bigger operation trying to aid America's teachers, having generated about $193m in donations for classrooms since the site was founded in 2000. Interestingly, one of the most frequently asked questions the site gets is whether it will expand to other countries (for the record, the answer is no. They still see plenty of need in the US to serve).

‍Read the full story on The Guardian.

Mrs. Romero really needs eight cushions so that her elementary school pupils don’t have to sit on the cold, hard tile at her feet during reading time.

Rather than do it the old-fashioned way, by turning to her Parent Teacher Association in search of donations, she is reaching out directly to the public via a crowdfunding campaign.On the Donors Choose website, she explains why anyone who wants to should help to satisfy her students’ needs. “Upper elementary classes are not set up to have students seated on the floor,” she wrote as part of her plea.“We do not have carpets or area rugs, nor do we have the funding to purchase these items,” she said, adding that easily distracted students focus better when they are close to her as she reads aloud. After all, she says, “Our floor time is probably the only time these kids ever get read to.”

Romero’s students will have somewhere to sit if she succeeds in raising $509 by January 5. Think of DonorsChoose.org as a Kickstarter for public education. Much like the giant crowdfunding site that helps people raise money for creative endeavors, on DonorsChoose.org teachers across the country collect donations for classroom projects.

‍Read the full story on Civil Beat.

Some schoolteachers in Philadelphia are looking to the Internet to raise funds for basic school supplies amid ongoing budget shortfalls.

Philadelphia is one of the nation's largest school districts, serving more than 190,000 traditional and charter school students, and it's been working for several months to close a budget deficit of nearly $304 million. Until the district recently received $50 million in emergency aid, officials feared they wouldn't be able to open in time for fall classes.

Allison Wudarski, a kindergarten teacher at the Julia deBurgos School in the Kensington section of the city, said her budget for school supplies each year is around $100 -- and she doesn't expect that to increase any time soon. Necessary supplies, she said, often come out of her own pocket.

“You want to give them everything, but it's a little hard financially to do that,” Wudarski said.

To offset some of those costs, Wudarski has been raising money for supplies online and has gotten funding from people she doesn't even know. Websites like DonorsChoose.org and Indiegogo allow teachers to crowd fund everything from scissors to musical instruments.

“I've gotten a ton of books and things like writing notebooks, crayons and paper, pencils,” she said.

On the website DonorsChoose.org, teachers list the specific supplies they need on a campaign page where anyone can donate any amount. Once a campaign is funded, the organization sends the items to the teachers.

Read the full story on NBC 10.

RICHTON, Miss. — When Superintendent Noal Cochran had an open teaching position in this quiet town, he looked for applicants at the bottom of the salary ladder—those with as little experience as possible. When he needed a new football coach, he wanted a rookie “straight out of college” who would accept a smaller stipend.

And when he needed new textbooks, he chose history over physics or chemistry—subjects less likely to need updating.“When you’re trying to survive and make payroll, you really don’t worry about textbooks,” Cochran said of his district, which serves about 700 students and has been underfunded by a total of $5 million since 2011, according to The Parents’ Campaign, a nonprofit advocacy group that supports public schools.

Read the full story on Hechinger Report.