Imagine walking into a classroom where kids are sharing a single box of pencils, or where a teacher has bought snacks out of their own paycheck just to help students focus. One key difference between that reality and a world where every student has the tools and opportunities to thrive in the classroom, no matter their zip code?
Thanks to the support of an extraordinary community of generous donors and more than 25 years of experience, we’ve helped fulfill more than 3 million requests for pencils, backpacks, and essential classroom resources, putting them directly into the hands of students and teachers across the country. With top ratings from Charity Navigator and GuideStar, our site stands out for its transparency, efficiency, and direct impact so your generosity goes exactly where it’s needed — fast.
If you’ve found us here, we’re willing to bet you think teachers and students deserve the world, you want to make a real difference, and you’re among the savviest of givers. While every classroom would be lucky to have you, here are three places you can make the biggest difference with your dollars:
Support the schools with the greatest need
Public schools aren’t created equal, but you can help. Your gift has a massive impact at schools with a history of underfunding. We call these Equity Focus Schools. A donation to a project from one of these schools assures teachers that their needs are heard and valued.
Give close to home
No one knows your neighborhood, town, and city like you. One of the most meaningful ways to give is to invest close to home. Use our map tool to find classrooms near you. From there, you can also refine your search and get even more specific. Whether it’s flexible seating in your neighborhood middle school or math games at the elementary school your kids attend, local giving makes a lasting impact.
Provide the most vital supplies
A warm coat. A toothbrush. A snack to keep hunger at bay. These essentials help students show up to school ready to learn and feel like they belong. “Food, Clothing, and Hygiene” projects empower students to come to school their healthiest, happiest selves. You might not think of these as traditional school supplies, but coats, nutritious snacks, deodorant, and socks are popular — and much-needed — requests from classrooms nationwide.
Every gift through DonorsChoose is a direct line to a classroom and to the students who need these supplies. Your donation purchases the exact items a teacher has requested for their students and our team fulfills the request. You’ll see where every dollar goes, receive photos and thank-you notes from classrooms, and know with certainty that you made a real difference.
Every pencil, every microscope, every paintbrush moves us closer to a world where students have the resources they need to succeed.
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