From budding “bird-ologists” to creative claymakers, Alaskan educators to Texas teachers — there is something about being part of the DonorsChoose community that just feels special.
Over 3 million classroom projects have been funded through our site since we were founded in 2000 by a schoolteacher in the Bronx. That's an incredible number, but even more incredible are the real classrooms, dedicated teachers, and groups of eager young minds it represents. In 2024, supporters have already helped thousands and thousands (literally) of projects spring to life. Here are 18 of those inspiring projects now — fully-funded and sure to make your heart soar.
Calculations and Camerawork
DonorsChoose teachers find the creative connections across subject areas that many of us would never have thought of — like Mr. Marcelino’s project that bridges math education through innovative photography!
“Your willingness to invest in education demonstrates not only your kindness but also your belief in the power of knowledge and its ability to transform lives … Please know that your generosity has not gone unnoticed. It has touched the hearts of not only myself but also the entire classroom community.” – Mr. Marcelino’s note to donors, Capturing Brilliance: Empowering Math Education through Innovative Photography
Budding Birders
Mrs. M's "Birdologists in the Making" project took flight with the help of the DonorsChoose community. Now, her students are becoming enthusiastic ornithologists, and learning all about science and the environment!
“Without donors… we would not be able to provide these wonderful opportunities to my classroom. My students are excited to begin the spring with a chance to watch and study local birds and learn about their feeding and migratory habits. Thank you again.” – Mrs. M, Birdologists In the Making
Clay Creations
Zooming over to the Pacific Northwest, Ms. Wisdom's pottery-powered project in Seattle is all about molding masterpieces (and young minds) by bringing ceramics class to her school.
“I cannot believe we are fully funded within the first hour and a half! Thank you endlessly! The kids are going to make such incredible work because of the financial support you’ve given to our classroom. I’m so excited to share my passion for clay with the kids and see what iconic work they create!” – Mrs. Wisdom, Creativity Through Clay: Our First Ceramics Class at DIMS
More Than Make-Believe
Ms. Anita is creating a world of dramatic play possibilities for her young students that go far beyond pretend — from a classroom delivery cart of play “goods” to an actual vibrant indoor gardening center. This project transforms playtime into a rich learning experience.
“THANK YOU for your amazing donations to our classroom. We have had a tough week, but getting this funded has just made us all smile. I cannot wait to give these supplies to my kids and watch them explore and grow in new ways. You never know who will find a new job in our class.” – Ms. Anita, Drama Queens... and Kings
Coding Champions
Hacking the future is going to take expert knowledge in the technology of tomorrow. To make sure our young leaders of tomorrow are as ready as ever, Ms. Puig is equipping her students with the tools to become future coders.
“This experience has proved to me and my students that they have a community outside the school that supports their dreams and success. Many of our students come from low socioeconomic backgrounds and would not be able to purchase a laptop themselves. Through your donation, my students can see that anything is possible if they are willing to strive for it and that there is a world outside that cares about their success.”
– Ms. Puig, Coding Robots and Beyond
Xylophone-Zone!
Ms. N’s goal with her project was simple: Bring music to all. Her project is ensuring every student can join the musical fun of xylophones with a thoughtful and inclusive environment.
“These carts make xylophone playing more accessible for my students with different abilities. The purchase of these carts is going to last my students for the rest of their time at our school and will serve students for years into the future … Thank you so much for your generosity!” – Ms. N, Carting Away Xylophones
In the Ring and Doing Their Thing
Meanwhile in Colorado, Coach Nef is working to build confidence and strength in young women through the school’s wrestling program. This project is helping empower these young wrestlers in and out of the ring!
“Encouraging girls to join wrestling is an inclusive way to build confidence, strength, and mental clarity in our young women. I have coached Girl's Wrestling for 6 years and have seen so much growth and progress.” – Coach Nef, Promote Girls’ Wrestling
A Graphic Novel Gateway
Nothing like the beautifully-designed world of graphic novels to really inspire new readers to get into books. That’s what Mrs. Andrade (and all her amazing project supporters) are making happen with this project — fostering a love of reading, one comic book at a time.
“I am blown away by your continued generosity and passion for helping students grow their love of reading! The books you have provided were in our class library right away and are already in the hands of my students. They are so excited to read them all.” – Mrs. Andrade, Graphic Novels for Eager Readers!
Clean Classroom Crew
Projects like Ms. Ry's are so critical — helping an amazing teacher like herself create a safe, clean, and healthy learning space for even the youngest of students!
“My students were wide eyed when they saw the whole bin cleaning supplies for them. Thank you so much for your help. It means so much to us! Having a clean and healthy classroom is so important to me and their parents.” – Ms. Ry, Germ Free For Firsties, Please
Adventure Time!
Mr. C's "Leap, Hop, and Team Up!" project is a perfect showcase of how creative our educators are with the lessons they cook up for their students. This project is bringing the joy, teamwork skills, and adventure of an obstacle course to P.E. class.
“Thanks to your support, we will be able to create an obstacle course in our physical education program. Your contribution goes beyond just new equipment. Obstacle courses provide a wealth of benefits for children. They help develop gross motor skills, problem-solving skills, teamwork and communication and confidence and self-esteem. We are thrilled to bring this engaging activity to our PE classes.” – Mr. C, Leap, Hop, and Team Up!
Hygiene Essentials
No young person should have to worry about accessing hygiene products. Ms. Hannigan's "Feminine Products for Teens" provides crucial supplies for any student who needs it — so they can just focus on getting a great education.
“Thank you so very much for creating the equal opportunity to provide feminine products to my students! My students will be very appreciative of your generosity. Unfortunately, being a title 1 school, most of my students are in need of these basic supplies. This will help them feel comfortable and assist their attendance!” – Ms. Hannigan, Feminine Products for Teens
Street Art Superstars
With the funds of the online community here at DonorsChoose, Ms. Monica was able to bring art and activism to life for her students. From paint pens in class to a field trip to Baltimore's Graffiti Alley, this project inspired some amazing young artists in the making.
“Due to your generosity and kindness, all 3 classes of middle and high school students (76 students) were able to make artworks with paint markers, spray paint, and stencils … In addition, eight finalized artists showcased their artwork at the Baltimore City Hall Black History Month Competition. I hope the end results of this project encourage you to continue to make donations to DonorsChoose projects!” – Ms. Monica, Student Street Art Project
Baseball and Beyond
Coach Hills’ goal isn’t just for jerseys. Ensuring ALL students are free from the worry of uniform fees levels the playing field. That means support for this project boosted team spirit and celebrated the dedication of these young athletes.
“Our baseball players will be excited to know that individuals like yourself are supporting them both on and off the field. We have been working hard to learn and grow from the game of baseball, so we can't wait to show you the end results.”– Coach Hills, New Baseball Attire
Bilingual Bookworms
Ms. Crotteau's "SEL Bilingual Books" project provides her students with the tools to navigate emotions and build a strong foundation for success all while strengthening their skills in the English language, too.
“I cannot believe that my project was funded in one day!! The Donor's Choose community is amazingly supportive of teachers! My newcomer ML students will learn from and enjoy the realistic multicultural photos in the Excellerations’ feelings and emotions books!” - Mrs. Crotteau, SEL Bilingual Books
Keeping It Kind
Over in the Aloha state, Mrs. Mishima-Donahue is helping her students become advocates for kindness. Together, they’re learning about community service and doing the daily work to stop bullying in their school and beyond.
“My students loved this service project. They felt like they made a difference on campus. They spent two weeks making kindness and anti-bullying posters … Each Wednesday morning, my students stand in front of the Cafeteria (our morning drop-off) and hold their signs proudly to promote kindness for everyone to see.” – Mrs. Mishima-Donahue, Prevent Bullying By Spreading Kindness
Contributing any amount to a DonorsChoose project like the ones listed above means you're helping students’ curiosity flourish and their potential to soar. Take a look at teacher projects still in need of funding on DonorsChoose today.
Cold Weather, Cozy Snacks, Can’t Lose
For Ms. Sami in Alaska, preparation for freezing temperatures makes all the difference in her students’ ability to learn. That’s why her project asking for warm food resources was one that touched the hearts of our whole DonorsChoose community this year.
“Thank you so much for providing my students with cozy snacks to improve their educational experiences … My students do not always have the resources others do. Snacks and warm food are more expensive and challenging to get. They appreciate the little things so much more. School is the center of the community and I want to continue to build that joy of coming to school.” – Ms. Sami, “Chicken Noodle Soup for Rural Alaska Souls”
A Classroom for All of Us
Sometimes the very basics go a powerful way for students. That’s why projects like Mr. Rodriquez’s are so critical — helping this amazing teacher create a safe and comfortable environment for all his kids to learn freely, especially those who have just arrived in the United States.
“Thank you so much for your donations. We are continuously receiving new students from other countries and they have very little resources when they arrive. Every single day I’m asked for a pencil or paper to write on … I had no idea if this would work, I am now a believer that there are still people out there that care for our young immigrants and their success here in the USA.” – Mr. Rodriguez, They Just Came to the U.S.A.!
Teen Necessities
No young person should have to worry about accessing hygiene products. Mrs. Weddle's "Teen Self Care Package"project is now providing crucial supplies for any student who needs it — so they can just focus on getting a great education!
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your kindness and generosity. This winter, no child should be without necessities, and thanks to you, my scholars are fortunate to have their needs met. Your ongoing support provides them with essential items like socks, lotion, and deodorant. I am truly grateful for your golden hearts and commitment to making a difference in the lives of these children.” – Mrs. Weddle, Teen Self Care Package
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