In 10 years, the Gates Foundation has fueled $55 million in support for public school classrooms through DonorsChoose
NEW YORK, Aug. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today, $4 million in classroom supplies and projects will be funded on DonorsChoose, an education nonprofit where public school teachers request the supplies they need for their students, through support from the Gates Foundation. Since the partnership launched 10 years ago, teachers across the United States have seen projects funded in record speed as they prepare for the new school year.
For the past 10 years, DonorsChoose has partnered with the Gates Foundation on an annual initiative to get resources into the hands of teachers and students. Over the last decade, through match campaigns, this partnership has helped fund $55 million in classroom supplies for over 47,000 schools across the U.S., ranging from the most essential resources, like pencils and paper, to the most enriching, like robotic kits and interactive math games.
"We've been proud to support this DonorsChoose back-to-school match for over a decade. Bob Hughes, K-12 Director at the Gates Foundation said. "Teachers play such a critical role, and we're glad to help attract new donors and help drive support for classroom needs."
At the start of the 2023-24 school year, educator requests for supplies on DonorsChoose more than doubled, indicating how often teachers shoulder the financial burden of supporting their students' education. In fact, based on a 2024 survey by DonorsChoose, teachers report spending an average of $610 of their own money in the school year on supplies for their students and classrooms. Out-of-pocket spending is even more for teachers of color and teachers at schools serving majorities of both students of color and students from low-income communities.
"The Gates Foundation has been an unwavering champion for public school classrooms across the U.S.," said Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. "Through this initiative, students and teachers will continue to feel the public's support as they kick off a new school year."
ABOUT DONORSCHOOSE
DonorsChoose is the leading way to give to public schools. Since 2000, 6 million people and partners have contributed $1.6 billion to support over nearly 3 million teacher requests for learning resources and experiences. As the most trusted crowdfunding platform for teachers, donors, and district administrators alike, DonorsChoose vets each request, ships the funded resources directly to the teacher, and provides thank yous and reporting to donors and school leaders. Charity Navigator and GuideStar have awarded DonorsChoose, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, their highest ratings for transparency and accountability. For more information, visit http://www.donorschoose.org.
Media Contact
Juan Brizuela, DonorsChoose, (212) 239-3615, [email protected], https://www.donorschoose.org
SOURCE DonorsChoose
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