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Teachers may receive funding despite tough economic times
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Dallas area teachers may have a way to pay for much-needed equipment in their classroom. DonorsChoose is a website dedicated to putting donors and grantees together. Through the website, philanthropic individuals and businesses can fund or help fund the equipment needs of teachers in public schools. The website allows people to donate any amount of money, whether it funds an entire project or just a portion. This opens the opportunity to give meaningfully and impact students in high-poverty areas to individuals who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford to give large amounts of money.
DonorsChoose started in 2000 in a public high school in Bronx and has grown to encompass classrooms and donors from all 50 U.S. states. According to the Dallas rep for DonorsChoose, Natalie French, there have been 981 projects funded in Dallas County, 85% of which went to high-poverty and high-need schools. The grants have totalled $395,354 with an average of $400 per proposal.
Andrea Hardgrave, who teaches science to 5th graders at Walnut Glen Academy in Garland ISD, has been the recipient of six grants funded through DonorsChoose. The grants covered items such as books, measuring tapes, educational games, and a stream table. Andrea describes the process of submitting a grant proposal as "extremely easy!" She also says, "life in my classroom has truly gotten easier. I have received supplies that allow more kids to participate in experiments in class, which in turn, creates more learning. I strongly enourage all teachers to do this." Andrea's experiences with DonorsChoose have been easy as well as beneficial. Staff at DonorsChoose assist teachers in writing the proposals so that they will have a better chance of being funded.
Once a grant is received, teachers are required to use the equipment in their classroom and submit pictures and/or videos of their classroom using the equipment. Donors have the opportunity to let the class know why they chose to donate to their cause and grant recipients write letters and send photos to the donors who donate over $100 and/or make the donation that completes the grant.
Natalie French says that nationally about 60-70% of the proposals submitted receive funding. It isn't just individuals and small businesses who participate. According to French, U.S. Cellular recently granted $1.1 million in their "Calling All Teachers Campaign" to fund grant proposals including those submitted in North Texas.
The website is easy to navigate. Whether you are a teacher or a potential donor, you may visit DonorsChoose to get started.
For more information:
Visit DonorsChoose
Impact in Texas
Case Studies
Dallas County Projects on DonorsChoose
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