Illinois · Private-National (Crowdfunding)

DonorsChoose Classroom Technology & STEM

Funding

$200–$2,000/project (unlimited with matching)

Grade Focus

K-12

Application Due

Rolling

Level of Gov't

Private — National

What This Grant Funds

DonorsChoose is a crowdfunding platform for public school teachers to request classroom materials, technology, and supplies. Teachers post project requests that donors can fund. STEM and technology projects — including coding kits, physical computing tools, and AI literacy materials — are among the most popular and successfully funded categories.

Who Is Eligible in Illinois

Any Illinois public school teacher, pre-K through 12th grade, can post a project. There are no income or demographic requirements for the teacher or school to post, though Title I schools may receive priority matching from corporate partners. Projects can be posted anytime.

Funding Amounts

Individual projects typically request $200–$2,000. With corporate and foundation matching campaigns (run by DonorsChoose), projects can be fully funded faster. There is no limit to how many projects a teacher can post over time.

How Forward Education Products Qualify

Forward Education's micro:bit starter kits are priced within DonorsChoose project ranges, making them ideal for classroom crowdfunding. Teachers can post a project specifically requesting a class set of micro:bit coding kits or the Climate Action Kit. The physical product with clear educational value resonates with donors and corporate matching programs.

How to Apply and Key Deadlines

Teachers create a free account at donorschoose.org, post a project description, list materials needed, and wait for donations. Projects can be posted any time. Corporate matching campaigns run periodically — check DonorsChoose for active matching opportunities that can double or triple funding.

Keep in Mind

DonorsChoose success depends on outreach — teachers should share their project with parents, community members, and social networks. Projects in high-poverty schools often receive preferential matching from corporate campaigns. Write a compelling story about your students and what they will create, not just what you want to buy.