Thalia Theodore, Northeast Deputy Director

AGENDA7:00 – 7:05 Overview – Mission & Impact

7:05 – 7:15 How the Process Works

7:15 – 7:30 Creative Project Ideas & Resources

7:30 – 7:40 Tips & Advice

7:40 – 7:45 Q & A

Special Give-Away for STAR Educators!

$250 DonorsChoose.org Giving Card

Mission & Model Mission: Improve Public Education

Address scarcity of learning materials & experiences Link innovative teachers to interested funders

Model: Two Key Elements Teacher Directed: every teacher a change-maker Citizen Philanthropy: every person a philanthropist

We treat a $100 donation like a million bucks!

National Impact to DateAs of May 2008

$22 million in resources

1.2 million students benefiting

52,000 projects funded!

43% classroom supplies 26% books19% technology 8 % other resources 3 % field trips 1 % class visitors

The DonorsChoose.org Model

A public school teacher has an idea for a classroom project that requires supplies and materials for students.

The DonorsChoose.org Model

A public school teacher has an idea for a classroom project that requires supplies and materials for students.

The teacher writes online proposal, detailing how the materials will be used by students, and submits it to DonorsChoose.org.

The DonorsChoose.org Model

A public school teacher has an idea for a classroom project that requires supplies and materials for students.

The teacher writes a proposal, detailing how the materials will be used by students, and submits it to DonorsChoose.org.

DonorsChoose.org screens each proposal before it goes onto our site. Individuals can then search through teachers’ proposals by topic, region, and price.

The DonorsChoose.org Model

A public school teacher has an idea for a classroom project that requires supplies and materials for students.

The teacher writes a proposal, detailing how the materials will be used by students, and submits it to DonorsChoose.org.

DonorsChoose.org screens each proposal before it goes onto our site. Individuals can then search through teachers’ proposals by topic, region, and price.

Individuals learn about classroom needs, and choose to fund the proposal they find most compelling.

The DonorsChoose.org Model

A public school teacher has an idea for a classroom project that requires supplies and materials for students.

The teacher writes a proposal, detailing how the materials will be used by students, and submits it to DonorsChoose.org.

DonorsChoose.org screens each proposal before it goes onto our site. Individuals can then search through teachers’ proposals by topic, region, and price.

Individuals learn about classroom needs, and choose to fund the proposal they find most compelling.

Donors Choose buys the materials, and ships them directly to the classroom along with a disposable camera.

The DonorsChoose.org Model

A public school teacher has an idea for a classroom project that requires supplies and materials for students.

The teacher writes a proposal, detailing how the materials will be used by students, and submits it to DonorsChoose.org.

DonorsChoose.org screens each proposal before it goes onto our site. Individuals can then search through teachers’ proposals by topic, region, and price.

Individuals learn about classroom needs, and choose to fund the proposal they find most compelling.

Students learn!

Donors Choose buys the materials, and ships them directly to the classroom along with a disposable camera.

The DonorsChoose.org Model

A public school teacher has an idea for a classroom project that requires supplies and materials for students.

The teacher writes a proposal, detailing how the materials will be used by students, and submits it to DonorsChoose.org.

DonorsChoose.org screens each proposal before it goes onto our site. Individuals can then search through teachers’ proposals by topic, region, and price.

Individuals learn about classroom needs, and choose to fund the proposal they find most compelling.

Thanks!

Students learn!

Every donor gets a “feedback package” in the mail with pictures and letters from students.

Donors Choose buys the materials, and ships them directly to the classroom along with a disposable camera.

Sample Feedback from Students

Who Can Apply? YES: Full-time, front-line educators

Teachers Librarians Coaches Counselors

NO: All others Administrators & School leaders Teaching assistants & Parent coordinators Staff developers Substitute teachers

What Can Teachers Request? YES: Projects directly benefiting students

NO: Projects indirectly benefiting students

Projects that discriminate or proselytize

Example #1: Equipment and Videos to Prepare Scientists for

the Next Level

This teacher is requesting 10 high-sensitivity lab thermometers and 1 Discovery Channel school physical science video collection to take lab sciences to the next level.

Example #2: Digital Camera to Boost Community Connections

This teacher is requesting 1 digital camera to take photographs of family members, community leaders, neighborhood sites and school events as a means of engaging students in their community environment.

Example #3: Elmo Document Presenter to Make Science

Findings Presentable!

This teacher is requesting an ELMO Visual Presenter to enable her science students to present their findings to their peers in an engaging way… making science presentation based!

Example #4: Outfitting the Computer Lab for Auditory

Learning

This teacher is requesting sturdy headphones with volume control so that every student can benefit from auditory lessons in the computer lab.

Example #5: GPS Units for Interactive, Geographic Treasure

Hunting

This teacher is requesting 8 GPS Receivers to hunt for treasure, and make geography interactive!

Over 35 Express Vendors to Choose From …

Here are a Few: Best Buy Lab Safety Supply Quill Corporation Teacher's School

Supply Carolina Biological

Supply

ABC School Supply Barnes and Noble Frey Scientific Nasco Office Depot School Specialty Lakeshore Learning

• Step 1: Craft a short, catchy title

• Step 2: Shop online for materials

• Step 3: Write a short, engaging essay

• Step 4: Submit!

Submitting a Proposal – 4 Steps

Tips on Writing a Winning Proposal The click factor. Creative titles catch donors’ attention & increase

the “click factor.”

Inform, but don't overwhelm. Be concise & avoid academic jargon.  

Be real, but keep it upbeat. Describe reality of the need but focus on opportunities instead of shortcomings.

Be compelling. Use vivid language to create a picture of your classroom & students in donor’s mind. Help us see the learning!

Picture it with me. Upload a profile picture of you & your students.

Start small. Keep first project under $400.  Increases funding success, and helps you build up points.

How Can I Help My Proposal Get Funded? Email your friends and family

Use “Tell a friend” function available in your account Use “Gift Registry” to create birthday, wedding, holiday registry Email friends & family the direct link to your project

Link to your proposal

Advertise! Link to your proposal on school website, on your blog, in your email signature, Facebook, MySpace, or LinkedIn pages

Don’t keep it a secret!

Tell your students’ parents, local businesses, the PTA All donations are tax-deductible

Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: How long before a proposal is funded?

A: Cannot say for sure. Individuals decide

what to fund, not DonorsChoose.org

Historically Under $400: many funded in 3 months $400 - $1,000: many funded in 5 months $1K - $5K: less than half funded within 5 months $Over $5,000: rarely funded

60% success rate nationwide

Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Can teachers request field trips

and/or visitors?

A: Yes, but must use the point system.

Point System Start with 3 points Spend points by submitting, earn points by completing

6 points = Field trip or visitor 6 points = Special request for materials not supplied by vendors

Questions?