DonorsChoose: Classroom Technology and STEM Projects
Eligibility
Any U.S. public school teacher can create a free account and post a project on DonorsChoose. No district approval is required to post a project. Teachers at Title I schools often see faster funding and additional matching from corporate partners.
- Eligible: Any U.S. public school teacher (verified account required)
- No application deadline or competitive review
- Projects go live immediately after posting and teacher verification
- Texas teachers benefit from active corporate matching campaigns throughout the year
How DonorsChoose Works
DonorsChoose is a crowdfunding platform where U.S. public school teachers post requests for classroom materials and individual donors fund them directly. Since 2000, DonorsChoose has helped millions of teachers get supplies they otherwise could not afford. STEM, coding, robotics, and physical computing projects are among the most-funded categories on the platform.
Teachers describe what they need, why their students would benefit, and how much it costs. Projects go live immediately and are visible to donors across the country. Corporate partners including Google, Microsoft, and others run regular matching campaigns that can double or fully fund projects.
Application Timeline
DonorsChoose has no deadline. Create an account at donorschoose.org, verify your teaching position, and post your project anytime. Projects can be live for up to 4 months. Corporate matching windows open and close throughout the year - check the DonorsChoose promotions page to time your posting for maximum impact.
Funding Amounts
Projects can request any amount from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Most technology projects funded through DonorsChoose range from $500 to $3,000. Corporate matching programs can fully fund projects that meet specific criteria (school type, subject area, location). Most well-written projects with good photos are fully funded within a few weeks.
Allowable Purchases
What to Request in Your Project
Any classroom material is eligible for DonorsChoose as long as it is used for educational purposes. STEM kits and coding tools are a popular and frequently funded category. Be specific about what you are requesting and why students need it.
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micro:bit Starter Kits
A classroom set of micro:bit kits for 20-30 students is a well-understood, fundable project. Donors can picture exactly what students will do. Price point fits the typical DonorsChoose project range. -
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
AI literacy tools are a compelling donor story. Donors want to give students access to technology that feels relevant and future-focused. MicroChat projects get strong donor attention. -
Coding for Climate Kit
Environmental and climate connections make a strong donor narrative. A project helping students code solutions to real environmental problems is fundable and shareable.
Keep in Mind
Projects with photos of your classroom and students get funded faster. Upload a real photo of your teaching space and, if possible, a photo of students doing related work.
The most-funded projects tell the story of one or two specific students who will benefit. Name them (with permission), describe their situation, and explain what this project will change for them.
DonorsChoose does not guarantee funding - you need to share your project link. Post it on social media, email it to family, and ask your school community to share it. Your personal network is your fastest path to full funding.
Corporate matching periods can double your donations or fully fund your project. Visit donorschoose.org/promotions before posting to see what matching opportunities are currently active.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents - TEKS, Common Core, and state standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing - classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support - documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence - ready-to-use program outlines
Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
Get the Grant Guide
