DonorsChoose Classroom Grants
Eligibility
U.S. public school teachers at all grade levels, including Wisconsin. Teachers post classroom projects describing what they need and why. Any verified public school teacher can create a project.
Program Goals
DonorsChoose connects public school teachers with donors who want to fund classroom projects. Teachers post specific needs — from books to science kits to technology — and donors (individuals, corporations, and foundations) fund projects they care about. Wisconsin teachers have received millions in funding through the platform.
Learn more at https://www.donorschoose.org
Application
No formal application — teachers create a project on donorschoose.org, describe what they need and how it will help students, and set a funding goal. Projects are live immediately and funded by donors browsing the platform.
Cycle Notes
Rolling. Teachers post projects any time. Projects are live for up to four months. Corporate partners sometimes run matching campaigns that accelerate funding.
Award Amount
Teacher sets the amount needed — typically $100 to $5,000 for most classroom projects. Materials are shipped directly to the school when fully funded.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education products that qualify for this grant:
- Coding for Good Kit — CS and coding projects are among the most popular on DonorsChoose — donors actively seek out technology and coding initiatives for underserved classrooms.
- Climate Action Kit — Environmental science projects consistently attract donors who care about climate education and sustainability.
- Smart Solar Energy Kit — Renewable energy and STEM projects appeal to corporate and individual donors with sustainability interests — these projects often fund quickly during matching campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DonorsChoose only for public schools?
Yes. DonorsChoose serves verified U.S. public school teachers. Private school teachers are not eligible.
How long does it take to get funded?
Timelines vary. Popular projects or those posted during corporate matching campaigns can fund in days. Others may take weeks or months. Projects expire after four months if not fully funded.
Do I get the cash or the products?
DonorsChoose purchases and ships materials directly to your school — teachers do not receive cash.
Are there tips for getting funded faster?
Share your project on social media, notify parent networks, and apply during corporate matching events. Projects with clear student impact stories fund faster.
Are there corporate matching opportunities for Wisconsin teachers?
Yes. Many corporations run DonorsChoose matching campaigns. Check donorschoose.org for current promotions.
Need Help With Your Grant Application?
Forward Education's grant support team helps Wisconsin schools navigate funding opportunities, write stronger applications, and select the right products for their programs.
Download the Wisconsin Grant Guide
Get the full list of Wisconsin K-12 STEM funding opportunities in one place — deadlines, award amounts, eligibility, and tips for first-time applicants.
