Donors Choose and Target

Donors Choose is AH-MA-ZING! If you have never heard of them, check them out! They are a non-profit organization that allows teachers to post projects filled with their classroom needs and people from across the country donate money to help your project come to life. Personally, I have had 46 projects filled throughout the last five years, totaling over $14,000 in materials, and our school has received over $156,000 in materials and professional development.

Now is the best time to try it out because Target is fully-funding projects that deal with Health and Wellness. Target has $5M they are giving away through funded projects, so your odds are great...at least for now!

Here's the low-down on Donors Choose:
1. You set up an account for your classroom. You have to have permission slips signed by parents to allow the release of their child's picture on the website. I usually have them ready at Meet the Teacher and have parents sign them as they are filling out their sheets of information.

2. Set up your first project. Donors Choose does a point system. Each project costs at least 1 point, but as long as it is funded and you complete a thank-you package, you can get up to 3 points for each completed project. The thank-you package includes a letter from the teacher, pictures, and 6 letters from kids for each donor that requests them.

3. When starting up a project, think about what you don't want to have to buy for yourself. I have done plenty of projects on books and exponentially grew my library as a new teacher. I have also received colored paper, bean bags, regular school supplies, an iPad, science supplies, a field trip, seat sacks, ear buds, and most recently, a karaoke machine and bookcase. My first project was small-for two book sets. Since then, I have written many projects. Some get funded and some don't. Realistically though, this is the best time to post projects. I would definitely recommend a project that's $100-300, with shipping, taxes, Donors Choose donation, etc. They are more likely to get funded. With Target fully-funding projects, those projects can be more. The ones I wrote ended up being $700-800. Hey, if they want to fund the whole thing, you are saving me time finding donors!

4. State your plea. Make sure you make a case as to why you need to supplies. Create a clever title, and submit your project. Donors Choose will then read/approve your project.

5. There is a match code for the first week your project is online, so share with friends and family and say a prayer! I always share my projects on Facebook and personally send a message to family. The match code for the first week will double any donation when the code is used during checkout. I have had several projects funded this way. It's amazing!

With Target funding projects, there is a special way to complete with project with specific details, etc. The directions are here. They even have great examples of what they are looking for when you write a project. It's very user friendly, too!

Just note: Donors Choose does add in fees and shipping. There is some sort of mathematical equation, I am sure.

If you have any questions, just ask! I am not an expert, but would love to help in any way I can!

~Kelly