DonorsChoose was founded by a public school teacher in 2000 with one simple idea: If teachers had an easy way to share what their students need, people would want to help. Since then, teachers in 89% of America’s public schools have requested items through DonorsChoose, and people across the country have helped bring over $1.7 billion in supplies to their classrooms.
For teachers, there are two ways to request supplies through DonorsChoose.
- Classroom projects offer maximum flexibility, often bringing out teachers’ dreams for their students. Teachers can shop for whatever supplies they need — from microscopes to tablets to musical instruments — from a bunch of different vendors. The teacher writes a few sentences about their students, and donors jump in to fund the project. When the full project is funded, our team has the materials shipped right to the classroom.
See example projects
- Lists for classroom essentials allow teachers to create a quick list for basic classroom items, without any writing, project submission, or minimum costs. Once a list has been published, donors can donate to support a teacher’s list. When teachers receive enough funding for any one item, they can immediately submit an order for that specific item, and it's shipped right to you.
See example lists
Still not sure which is the right choice for you right now? Take our quiz to find which type of request is best for your classroom needs!
Do you just need basic supplies?
YES, I just need basic supplies like pencils, paper, tissues, and wipes.
Create a list for essentials. Instead of dropping by the store on your way home to pick up those everyday items your classroom can’t live without, let donors fund your shopping list and we’ll send the materials directly
NO, I need other items like books, seat cushions, paint brushes, gardening supplies, and more.
Create a project to get the exact materials you’re envisioning for your students. If you need reading material, technology, classroom furniture, or subject-specific items — projects are for you! (And don’t worry, you can add basic supplies to your project, too; projects are all about flexibility!)
Do you prefer specific brands?
YES, I need specific brands!
Create a project. You’ll be able to shop all the DonorsChoose vendors at once: AKJ Education, Amazon, Best Buy Education, Blick Art Materials, Lakeshore, LEGO Education, Scholastic Classroom Magazines & Book Clubs, and many, many more.
NO, I just need the basics, no matter what brand they are.
Create a list for essentials. You can get a quick shipment of pencils, crayons, bandages, disinfecting wipes, or other basic items.
Do you want funding help from our partners?
YES, I would like to take advantage of partner funding if it becomes available.
Create a project. Throughout the year, our corporation and foundation partners match donations to projects. Sometimes they’ll jump in to help projects from a certain area of the country (i.e. neighborhoods, regions, and states). Other times, a partner will want to support requests for certain supplies or subject area (think: books, STEM supplies, requests supporting special needs students). And in really special moments each year, a partner will match donations to every single project on the site. If you’d like your request to be open to these opportunities, a project is for you!
No; partner support would be nice, but it’s more important to me to get each individual item as it’s funded.
Create a list for essentials. No waiting for a full project to be funded — your items can be on their way as soon as a donor funds the first one!
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