Have you heard about DonorsChoose.com?
This is a crowd funding website where teachers/club organizers can post projects to raise funds for materials that support learning.
There are many materials my students need to increase learning opportunities. Before DonorsChoose, I would purchase the materials myself; however, over the past five years, I’ve been able to fundraise for my students via the DonorsChoose program.
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My past projects included raising funds for: personal student headphones and storage bags, classroom printers and ink, and a SeaLife field trip that included transportation.
This year I was able to get 3 projects funded: STEM learning materials, art materials, 3D printer with filament, and 3D doodle pens with filament. Since I teach a project based learning technology platform, my students need materials to support learning in this unique way.
Below are more pictures of students working with the first DonorsChoose STEM project that was fully funded in September. Here you will see a variety of STEM related materials in action. Before I use these materials for learning, I let students engage in exploration, collaboration and project creation, and simply use their imagination to problem solve with the materials.
The inspiration has just begun. It is quite amazing to see how the workmanship has evolved from basic to more detailed structures as noted in the pictures below.
Oftentimes people don’t realize that the u0022extrasu0022 are funded via the teacher’s pocketbook. If you are a teacher and have not utilized DonorsChoose.com, u003ca rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022 aria-label=u0022use this link to get started (opens in a new tab)u0022 href=u0022http://share.donorschoose.org/msFPQu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022u003euse this link to get startedu003c/au003e. All you need is an idea to engage students in learning, prepare your project, and submit your project to DonorsChoose. Then share your project with your community, and ask them to continue sharing your project in their network. Along the way, people will be inspired to donate to education. It is soo exciting to get a project funded AND the kids are soo appreciative of the new learning materials.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eHere are pictures of our 3D printer project and 3D doodle pens at work. These materials were fully funded in December and January. u003cbru003e
Students use the Tinkercad online building program to design their projects from scratch. Using basic 3D shapes students begin their project. A huge learning curve for students involved measurement – in metrics – NOT the US customary system. Using metrics has helped the students to gain a better understanding of working within the metric system.
How can you help?
1. Share this information with an educator, then visit DonorsChoose and support a posted project.
2. If you’re looking for opportunities to embed more technology into your learning program, use DonorsChoose as an option to gather learning materials. You can get started with this DonorsChoose link.
If you are interested in donating to my classroom, please use this link to find out latest project. Thank you for supporting education!!
I’ve not heard of this program but how wonderful! I know so many teachers and most have a lot of out of pocket expense. This is so helpful and the students benefit!
Hello, Cindy!! Yes, please share this information with your teacher friends. This site has been very helpful!!
Blessings,
~Annette
I’ve just recently learned about crowdfunding. I can’t imagine a better way to use it than to help teachers. It’s really a shame that teachers have to fund their own supplies. This is truly awesome. The credit union, where I work, supports our schools and teachers with funding for their classrooms. It makes me proud to be part of an organization that honors teachers and the education of our youth.
Hello,Susan!! Thank you for supporting education!! District budgets are often tight; therefore, extra community support is appreciated!!
Thank you!!
~Annette
What a great idea to help teachers do more for their students! I had no idea something like this existed.
Hello, Michele!! Yes, please share this information with your educator group.
Have a great week!!
~Annette
As a former teacher I appreciate this. It’s often that things purchased come from a teachers pocket. It is always so touching when a family steps up and helps fundraise for the class. It gives me hope for the future LOL
Thank you, Jen!! As a teacher, you know the struggle trying to teach without the proper materials. Community support is appreciated to support learning. I am a lucky teacher to have generous families!!
Blessings,
~Annette
I’m always amazed by how many people expect so much out of our schools but then don’t help fundraise.
Hello, Junell, yes, it does take a village to educate kiddos – historically and presently. Unfortunately, many people don’t know the struggle in the classroom.
Thank you for stopping by!!
Have a great week!!
~Annette
Thanks for sharing this! We love our teachers and recognize how much they give out of their own pocket, time and hearts! Good to know of this great website.
Hello, Lina!! Please share this information with other teachers. There are many that do not know about this resource.
Have a great week!!
~Annette
Annette, my niece is a teacher in a low-income district and has used Donors Choice for years. It is great because it allows those of us far away to donate and help when we can without physically being there or buying stuff we don’t need or want. Great job on getting the funding you needed to get the kids the materials they need to grow.
Thank you, Nikki!! Besides having this resource to support education, technology plays a huge role in being able to successfully utilize these resources.
Thank you for stopping by!!
Have a great day!!
~Annette
I love donors choose! Teaching in an urban district, we are always trying to find ways to help our students get the materials that make learning fun and engaging. Donorschoose.org has helped us with that many times.
Meagan, I am sooo happy you’ve been able to get some projects funded via Donors Choose. I don’t know who started the program, but it is a wonderful idea!!!
Have a great week!
~Annette
What a great way to help your students have amazing experiences! You are going the extra mile for them with this fundraising. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you, Leigh Ann!! I really love working with my students and finding opportunities to increase learning with motivation and enthusiasm. The kids love using these materials to engage in critical thinking, creativity, and communication. Donors Choose has been a great resource to keep the kids at the edge of their seats ready to learn.
Have a great day!!
~Annette
What a fantastic idea!! This is such a great way to raise money. Much better than the typical fundraisers. I will be sharing this. Thanks!
Thank you, Heather!! There are many educators that do not know about Donors Choose AND businesses/community citizens that want to help, but don’t know how. Such a fabulous resource!!!
Have a beautiful day!!
~Annette