What if there was a simple way to provide students with the books, technology, and supplies that they need to learn?

 What if people from all walks of life could connect directly with public schools, learn about specific classroom needs, and choose how to help?

 DonorsChoose makes this possible.

DonorsChoose.org is a simple way to provide students in need with resources that our public schools often lack.  At this not-for-profit Web site, teachers submit ideas for materials or experiences their students need to learn, such as:

► Magical Math Centers ($200)    
► Big Book Bonanza ($320)  
► Cooking Across the Curriculum ($1,100)

Any individual can search student projects by areas of interest, learn about classroom needs, and choose to fund the project(s) she/he finds most compelling.  Donors receive a feedback package of student photos and thank-you notes, a teacher impact letter, and an expenditure report showing that their tax-deductible gift was spent as directed. 

Our Mission
DonorsChoose aims to improve public education by engaging citizens in an online marketplace where teachers describe and individuals can fund specific student projects.  We envision a nation where students in every community have the resources they need to learn.

Our Philosophy
DonorsChoose attracts contributors from all walks of life through an approach called Citizen Philanthropy.  No matter their contribution size, donors are treated to a level of service normally reserved for established philanthropists.  This includes:

• Meaningful Choice:  Whether interested in pre-K literacy or science field trips, donors can select the specific project that they feel will have the biggest impact.

• Full Accountability: We screen each project proposal before posting it online; purchase the materials for the teacher; and compile vivid feedback for the donor(s).

• Portfolio Services: DonorsChoose contributors can track and manage their giving in “My Account,” which shows the citizen philanthropist everything from the subject areas she/he has funded to the number of students she/he has helped.  Tools such as gift certificates and gift registries allow donors to engage their children, friends, and family members in citizen philanthropy.
  
  Our Results
  

• Residents of 49 states have funded 6,000 student projects, channeling more than $2.9 million worth of resources to tens of thousands of students in Chicago, New York City, North Carolina, and the San Francisco Bay Area.  More than 85% of these resources are reusable for future classes.  

• More than 70% of contributors reported that this was their first-ever donation to public schools.
  In 2004, the Tech Museum of Innovation honored DonorsChoose as a global Technology Laureate and one of five Microsoft Education Award winners for using technology to benefit humanity.  

• DonorsChoose has been highlighted as “the future of philanthropy” by media ranging from The New York Times, Newsweek, Business Week, and The Chronicle of Philanthropy to NPR, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Today Show, and CNN Newsnight. 

For More Information Contact:

Missy Sherburne, Executive Director at  or (252) 984 - 4011.

What Is DonorsChoose?

DonorsChoose is the online marketplace where teachers and citizens connect to give students the resources they need to learn.  At www.DonorsChoose.org, teachers submit project proposals for materials or experiences their students need to learn.  These ideas become classroom reality when individuals choose projects to fund.

 Who Can Use DonorsChoose?

Beginning August 1, 2005 any public school teacher or other front-line educator in South Carolina can submit proposals to DonorsChoose and any individual can fund them.

 How Does It Work?

          At www.DonorsChoose.org, educators propose an idea for a student project by writing a brief essay and completing some simple forms.  Volunteers screen proposals to ensure that projects will directly serve students and to confirm the cost and availability of the resources that the educator requests. Then, individuals from across the nation can review and choose to fund the proposal(s) they find most compelling.

Why DonorsChoose?

Because it’s a simple way to ensure students have the resources they need to learn and succeed!

We look forward to partnering with you!

Please contact Missy Sherburne, Executive Director at  for additional information.