Donors Choose Step By Step

I posted previously about a project I posted on Donors Choose being funded. The kids loved using the tablets in our classroom and it was a great way for them to see first hand how a charity works and that it's all thanks to people who are willing to help. I've been looking into flexible seating for my classroom for the 2016-2017 school year and so I thought about doing a step by step post about the process of putting a project on Donors Choose. Keep reading to find out how easy it is to post a project on Donors Choose.

My summer has officially started, but for a teacher that doesn't mean we're not working or thinking about or classroom or the new school year. As I was reading the new issue of ATPE News, a magazine from the teacher association I'm a part of, I saw an issue about Donors Choose and how ATPE will help match 50% of funding (project can't exceed $1,000). That means if you can get half of your project funded, they will fund the other half! Awesome, right?! All you have to do is make sure you identify either in the title or the description of your project that you are an ATPE member. Ok, so let's get started!

You first need to go to DonorsChoose.org and create an account if you haven't done so already. Once you have entered all your information, then you can begin to create your project. I like to look at the Partner Funding Opportunities before I start a project because there may be a business or organization that is offering donations in your state. Make sure to read the guidelines so that your project may qualify for the donation. On the Projects tab you will click on the Create a Project button. I haven't completed and submitted yet so it is currently not up for funding. One more thing to mention, you don't have to complete finish your project all at once. You can save what you have so far and then come back to it later! Alright, let's get started!

The next screen you see will ask if you are doing a standard project or a teacher development project. You can click on each for an explanation of each. Click on the type of project you want and click Let's Go!

The next screen will ask for information about your class such as age/grade, number of students, a brief description about your students, and a class photo. Please check with your school before posting a picture of your students. I stayed on the safe side an posted one with our Dia de los Muertos masks. Once your done, click Save and Continue.

 

The next screen is where you go shopping! A list of vendors that work with Donors Choose will be on this screen. The name of the store is hyperlinked. Click it and make sure to read EVERYTHING on the screen before you enter the store and add things to your cart. It's just like online shopping! Vendors on the list are AKJ Books, Amazon Business, Best Buy Education, Blick Art Materials, Britanicca Digital Learning, Lakeshore, Quill, and School Specialty just to name a few. You can shop from more than one store. Once your finished at that particular store, go to your cart and finalize your order. It will take you back to the Donors Choose page with your cart in. You can then finalize your order or continue shopping.

I've added the things I want for my project so I will scroll down to summarize what's in my cart. If you're ever not sure what to type, you can click on the example link. This particular description is just short and to the point. Then you will classify your project either as Books, Technology or Supplies and click Save and Continue.

 

Next you will enter details about your projects. You will give it a title. Make it something eye catching and that will get donors to want to look at your project page and possibly make a donation. If you found a business or organization in the Partner Funding Opportunities that you would like your project to participate in, you may need to add something in the title or description in order to qualify so make sure you follow those guidelines. At the bottom of this screen you will be asked to pick a subject area or two that your project would fall under. Then click Save and Continue.

 Once you click Save and Continue, you will be brought to a screen that will allow you to review all the information for your project and will have one more chance to edit if need be. Please make sure to review carefully! Once you submit your project, you won't be able to change it. If you notice at top, there are links to search results and Mobile devices. Make sure you click on these after you have reviewed everything on this page and before you submit the project.

 Everything looks how I want so I've gone back up to the top and clicked Search results. This is what donors will see once they log in and search for projects to donate to. Donors are able to search by subject area or by keywords and even down to certain areas of the country. Everything looks how I want here so I'm clicking on Mobile devices.

 We all know that most people use their smartphones for EVERYTHING now. So your project page will be mobile friendly! You will be able to scroll through what your mobile page will look like. If everything looks good to you then you can click on the Submit your project button at the bottom.

 Ta-Da! You're done! You've submitted your project. Now your project will be reviewed. If there is something that is missing or needs to be fixed, you will be contacted by Donors Choose and you will be given a chance to change or add what you need to. Once your project is approved, you can then share your project with family and friends and even on social media and through email. I like to even add the link to my email signature so that everybody will it!

I received the email the next day that my project was approved! Now you can start sharing your project. You can email or even post on social media.

I hope that this post has helped you navigate Donors Choose. As teachers, this is a great tool to use to get things that sometimes we desperately need in our classrooms. I hope you that you also consider maybe donating yourself to some awesome projects out there. Every little bit help!

My Donors Choose Page