DonorsChoose connects public school teachers seeking classroom resources with donors who fund their requests. Teachers can sign up and post a project for free; DonorsChoose orders and ships the funded goods. Classroom Essentials offers curated basic supplies with no minimum, and items ship as donations arrive. Classroom Projects use a catalog of more than 1 million products from over 20 teacher-favorite stores, including Lakeshore, Amazon, and Staples. These projects have a $100 minimum and can stay posted for up to four months. If a project misses its goal by then, donors may redirect their contributions to the teacher’s next project. Projects are reviewed before posting, typically within five business days. Eligibility is limited to full-time educators at public or public charter schools who work directly with students, subject to detailed rules. DonorsChoose says it vets requests and reviews projects for student privacy; parent or guardian permission is required for photos that show students. Teachers are asked to send donors a thank-you package with two photos of the funded project in action. The nonprofit was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in New York City.
Who it is for
It suits eligible full-time educators at public or public charter schools seeking classroom supplies, and donors who want to fund those requests.
What is good
- Teachers can post projects without paying.
- Essentials requests have no minimum.
- Funded goods are ordered and shipped to teachers.
- Projects are reviewed before posting.
What to know first
- Classroom Projects require a $100 minimum.
- Projects may stay posted for only up to four months.
- Eligibility is limited to qualifying educators.
Verdict
DonorsChoose offers free project posting for eligible teachers, with no-minimum Essentials requests and a separate project catalog. Teachers should check the eligibility rules and project requirements before posting.
Get started with DonorsChoose
- Visit DonorsChoose on the web.
- Check the eligibility rules for educators.
- Sign up as a teacher and submit a classroom request.
- Choose Classroom Essentials for basic supplies or submit a Classroom Project.
- For a Classroom Project, request at least $100 and allow time for review.
What the free plan stops at
Classroom Essentials has no minimum request. Classroom Projects require at least $100 and may remain posted for up to four months; if they miss their goal, donors can redirect contributions to the teacher’s next project.
Questions about DonorsChoose
Does it cost teachers to post a project?
No. Teachers can sign up and post projects for free.
What is the minimum for a Classroom Project?
Classroom Projects have a $100 minimum. Classroom Essentials has no minimum.
How long can a Classroom Project stay posted?
It may stay posted for up to four months. If it misses its goal by then, donors can redirect contributions to the teacher’s next project.
Who can use DonorsChoose as a teacher?
Eligible users are full-time educators at public or public charter schools who work directly with students, subject to detailed eligibility rules.
What happens after donors fund a request?
DonorsChoose orders and ships the funded goods to teachers. It says it ships materials to verified teachers or reimburses against an invoice.
Which payment methods are listed for donations?
Cards and wallets.
DonorsChoose plans and pricing
All plansCompared on nonprofit crowdfunding software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Pricing model
- transaction
- Recurring donations
- Yes
- Payment methods
- cards+wallets
