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DonorsChoose

Who is DonorsChoose.org and what do they do?

DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need.

Here's how it works: public school teachers from every corner of America post classroom project requests on DonorsChoose.org. Requests range from pencils for a poetry writing unit, to violins for a school recital, to microscope slides for a biology class.

Then, donors can browse project requests and give any amount to the one that inspires them. Once a project reaches its funding goal, the vendors deliver the materials to the school.

Donors get photos of the project taking place, a thank-you letter from the teacher, and a cost report showing how each dollar was spent. If a donor gives over $100, they also receive hand-written thank-you letters from the students.

At DonorsChoose.org, gifts as little as $1 get the same level of choice, transparency, and feedback that is traditionally reserved for someone who gives millions. We call it citizen philanthropy.

Are you ready? Choose your direction...

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History DonorsChoose

How we started

DonorsChoose.org grew out of a Bronx high school where teachers experienced first-hand the scarcity of learning materials in our public schools.

Charles Best, then a social studies teacher, sensed that many people would like to help distressed public schools, but were frustrated by a lack of influence over their donations. He created DonorsChoose.org in 2000 so that individuals could connect directly with classrooms in need.

Our mission is to improve public education by empowering every teacher to be a change-maker and enabling any citizen to be a philanthropist.

Our vision is a nation where students in every community have the resources they need to learn.

How we ensure integrity

The DonorsChoose team is vigilant about providing end-to-end integrity for each classroom project funded through our site. To that end, we:
Vet every classroom project request submitted by teachers.

  • Process donor transactions using the most secure and trusted technology available.
  • Purchase the classroom materials, shipping items directly to the school and alerting the principal when the materials are on their way.
  • Provide photos of the project taking place, teacher and student letters, and a cost report showing how every dollar was spent.

How to find a perfect project

  • Get local Use our Location filter to find projects in your state or hometown.
  • Get inspired What are you passionate about? The environment? Water color painting? A book you're reading? Narrow projects by subject area, or search for what you care about in the keyword box.
  • Get choosy Sort your search results by cost, poverty level, or popularity...whatever matters most to you.

Get Started!