DonorsChoose.org Helps Teachers Pay for Students’ Basic Needs

DonorsChoose.org, the nonprofit organization dedicated to funding children’s educational needs, launched its Student Life Essentials Program earlier this year. Prior to the launch, DonorsChoose conducted a survey that included 2,000 teachers who were from high-poverty schools throughout the nation. According to Education Week, the survey reported that 64 percent of teachers have purchased clothing for their students, while 54 percent have purchased food and 50 percent have purchased hygiene items. Overall, 84 percent of teachers purchased personal items for their students with their own money and 63 percent spent more than $100 in a year.

By taking care of their students, teachers reported an 86 percent improvement in confidence and self-esteem, 69 percent reported that students had more focus and 43 percent reported a reduced number of students who were absent.

According to the DonorsChoose website, as of Mar. 23, the organization has funded 852 projects, helped 102,422 students, served 570 schools and supported 667 teachers—with a total of $162,603 dedicated to the Student Life Essentials Program.

DonorsChoose on the program:

“We know that teachers wear many hats and consistently go above and beyond for their students. They’re often the front-line social workers in schools and regularly assist their students with critical life needs, like warm coats, clean clothes, personal hygiene items and food for outside of school. We’re matching Student Life Essential Projects because having these materials means students can come to school with confidence, ready to learn and set up for success!” — DonorsChoose

To learn more about the organization, chief marketing officer and EVP of partnerships, will share the DonorsChoose story, lessons learned from acquiring and retaining 2.5 million donors in supporting public school classrooms and strategies on marketing outreach during the NonProfit PRO Leadership Conference. The conference is happening on May 17 at the WHYY Public Media Commons in Philadelphia! You can register for the conference here and enter the promo code “THEWORM” for $50 off your conference pass. Act now because this offer will only last until Mar. 31!

We hope to see you there!