DonorsChoose Spotlight

I wanted to take a moment to spotlight this wonderful resource for public school teachers, Donorschoose.org.  I learned about them at a meeting in the summer of 2011 and those promoting it made it sound SO simple.  And you know what?  It was!  I have now had 4 projects funded and am working towards my fifth.  As soon as I get some time I'll be posting another one too!

My current project can be found here:  Artfully Young Experience

I believe I've been successful because I followed some very helpful tips from the presenters.

This is what I did:

1.  I kept most of my projects under $500.
2. I tried very hard to demonstrate in words the impact the project would have on my students.
3. I tried to make sure my passion for teaching and for my students was visible in my project.
4. I shared my project on Facebook and allowed for sharing to automatically occur on Donorschoose.
5. I signed up for partnering with Sonic teachers and other companies like oo.com.

BUT that is a VERY basic guideline to follow.  Corkboard Connections blog has a better description of how to be successful in writing your project.  On Sundays she does an "all-call" on her facebook page for projects.  AND at the end of the day she picks one to donate to!

Francie Kugelman has had over $23,000 funded to her classroom over the past few years....AMAZING!  You've got to take a look at the list to get ideas of project for your classroom.  I found this link through Corkboard Connections author, Laura Candler's Donorschoose.org Resources webpage.

My list is not as incredible as Francie's (yet!).  Here's what I was able to get funded during the past school year:

1. Pretend Play is Just for Me!                   $495.65
2. I Can Read!                                           $447.58
3.Constructive Outdoor Play                     $753.95
4. Technology Helps Us Learn to Read $1,153.49
                                          Total =          $2,850.67

My kids and the rest of the kindergarten (with the use of the outdoor play equipment) are STILL using all of these items.  It is been such a blessing!

Your first time writing may seem cumbersome, especially if you've never written a grant before.  Don't let that discourage you!  I suggest grabbing someone you know who has written a grant before to help you get through it.  My best advice is to NOT give up and stick with it!  It's so worth the time and effort you are putting into it!