How to Get Started With Donors Choose

Do you have an Amazon Wishlist a mile long? Do you wonder how you can have engaging activities and an abundance of needed supplies, without breaking the bank? I have the answer to this dilemma.

Donors Choose tips for getting funded

What is Donors Choose

Have you ever written a Donors Choose grant?  Donors Choose is an amazing organization that matches people with money (Donors) with teachers in need. In the past 13 years, I have successfully written and received funds for over 45 Donors Choose projects.  I have secured over $14,000.00 in funds for my students and my classroom.

Would you like to get started?  If you use my referral link   http://share.donorschoose.org/szZGd       

I will receive a small donation from Donors Choose to use towards helping fund future projects and first-time Donors Choose projects get a little extra help for funding.

Wondering What to Write a Project For?

These are just a few of my past projects.

  • Teachers PayTeachers Gift Cards
  • Organization Items for the Classroom (containers, bins, carts)
  • Student Supplies (crayons, scissors, pencil pouches, whiteboards)
  • iPads (2) 
  • Color Printer
  • STEM Supplies
  • Mentor Texts
  • Math Manipulatives
  • Color Cardstock
  • Cubby Unit
  • Chair Pockets
  • Storage Shelves
  • Emergent Readers

The process is really simple.  First, create an account.

 http://share.donorschoose.org/szZGd  

Next, you will fill out a Student Profile

EXAMPLE: I Teach a First-grade combination class at a Title One school in Northern California. The majority of my students speak English as a second language and come from lower socio-economic backgrounds. All my students love to learn and are eager to come to school each day.

My Project- describe the actual project and how your students will benefit from the resources purchased.

Go Shopping: The fun part.  You can shop at stores such as Lakeshore Learning, Staples, and Amazon.  You can also request a Teacher's Pay Teachers $100 gift card..

Tips for a Successful Project

Budget wisely. Lower-priced grants are often successful.  I keep mine under $300.  Large ticket items tend to not always get funded.  However, this doesn't mean that they don't.

Titles Matter: Be creative with your titles  Super Tools for Sensational Students. You want your tile to jump out at donors.  Books for Kids is just a little boring.

Get Your Project Noticed: sometimes I donate $5 to kick off my project.  This works well when there is a double match.  I will donate $5 and it is matched, so now my project has $10.  

You do not have to share it on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media platforms.  I have never emailed my project to family and friends.  I have shared a few projects on Facebook, but it is not necessary. I do however have the link to my project in my school emails.  Once in a while, a family will donate.

If you get stuck, feel free to reach out to me.  I am happy to help other teachers get the resources they need for their classrooms without having to spend their own money.

Good Luck- and happy shopping.

Donors Choose how to get started

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