DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose.org was pioneered by teachers at a Bronx public high school in the spring of 2000. Charles Best, then a social studies teacher, saw first-hand the scarcity of materials in our public school classrooms and the profound impact of this scarcity on kids' education. Looking for a way to address this problem, he sensed an untapped potential in people who were frustrated by their lack of influence over the use of their charitable donations. DonorsChoose.org, a website connecting classrooms in need with individuals who want to help, was born.

At this not-for-profit website, teachers submit ideas for materials or experiences their students need to learn. 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.

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.

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

Meaningful Choice: Whether interested in pre-K literacy or high school 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.

Fueled at first by word of mouth, DonorsChoose has achieved exponential growth. The impact as of April 28, 2008, was $21,885,876 to 1,220,478 students from donors in 50 states.

U.S. Banker and SourceMedia are proud to support DonorsChoose.org. A charitable donation will be made to the not-for-profit organization on behalf of The 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking.