thalia theodore, northeast deputy director. agenda 7:00 – 7:05 overview – mission & impact...
TRANSCRIPT
Thalia Theodore, Northeast Deputy Director
AGENDA7:00 – 7:05 Overview – Mission & Impact
7:05 – 7:15 How the Process Works
7:15 – 7:30 Creative Project Ideas & Resources
7:30 – 7:40 Tips & Advice
7:40 – 7:45 Q & A
Special Give-Away for STAR Educators!
$250 DonorsChoose.org Giving Card
Mission & Model Mission: Improve Public Education
Address scarcity of learning materials & experiences Link innovative teachers to interested funders
Model: Two Key Elements Teacher Directed: every teacher a change-maker Citizen Philanthropy: every person a philanthropist
We treat a $100 donation like a million bucks!
National Impact to DateAs of May 2008
$22 million in resources
1.2 million students benefiting
52,000 projects funded!
43% classroom supplies 26% books19% technology 8 % other resources 3 % field trips 1 % class visitors
The DonorsChoose.org Model
A public school teacher has an idea for a classroom project that requires supplies and materials for students.
The DonorsChoose.org Model
A public school teacher has an idea for a classroom project that requires supplies and materials for students.
The teacher writes online proposal, detailing how the materials will be used by students, and submits it to DonorsChoose.org.
The DonorsChoose.org Model
A public school teacher has an idea for a classroom project that requires supplies and materials for students.
The teacher writes a proposal, detailing how the materials will be used by students, and submits it to DonorsChoose.org.
DonorsChoose.org screens each proposal before it goes onto our site. Individuals can then search through teachers’ proposals by topic, region, and price.
The DonorsChoose.org Model
A public school teacher has an idea for a classroom project that requires supplies and materials for students.
The teacher writes a proposal, detailing how the materials will be used by students, and submits it to DonorsChoose.org.
DonorsChoose.org screens each proposal before it goes onto our site. Individuals can then search through teachers’ proposals by topic, region, and price.
Individuals learn about classroom needs, and choose to fund the proposal they find most compelling.
The DonorsChoose.org Model
A public school teacher has an idea for a classroom project that requires supplies and materials for students.
The teacher writes a proposal, detailing how the materials will be used by students, and submits it to DonorsChoose.org.
DonorsChoose.org screens each proposal before it goes onto our site. Individuals can then search through teachers’ proposals by topic, region, and price.
Individuals learn about classroom needs, and choose to fund the proposal they find most compelling.
Donors Choose buys the materials, and ships them directly to the classroom along with a disposable camera.
The DonorsChoose.org Model
A public school teacher has an idea for a classroom project that requires supplies and materials for students.
The teacher writes a proposal, detailing how the materials will be used by students, and submits it to DonorsChoose.org.
DonorsChoose.org screens each proposal before it goes onto our site. Individuals can then search through teachers’ proposals by topic, region, and price.
Individuals learn about classroom needs, and choose to fund the proposal they find most compelling.
Students learn!
Donors Choose buys the materials, and ships them directly to the classroom along with a disposable camera.
The DonorsChoose.org Model
A public school teacher has an idea for a classroom project that requires supplies and materials for students.
The teacher writes a proposal, detailing how the materials will be used by students, and submits it to DonorsChoose.org.
DonorsChoose.org screens each proposal before it goes onto our site. Individuals can then search through teachers’ proposals by topic, region, and price.
Individuals learn about classroom needs, and choose to fund the proposal they find most compelling.
Thanks!
Students learn!
Every donor gets a “feedback package” in the mail with pictures and letters from students.
Donors Choose buys the materials, and ships them directly to the classroom along with a disposable camera.
Sample Feedback from Students
Who Can Apply? YES: Full-time, front-line educators
Teachers Librarians Coaches Counselors
NO: All others Administrators & School leaders Teaching assistants & Parent coordinators Staff developers Substitute teachers
What Can Teachers Request? YES: Projects directly benefiting students
NO: Projects indirectly benefiting students
Projects that discriminate or proselytize
Example #1: Equipment and Videos to Prepare Scientists for
the Next Level
This teacher is requesting 10 high-sensitivity lab thermometers and 1 Discovery Channel school physical science video collection to take lab sciences to the next level.
Example #2: Digital Camera to Boost Community Connections
This teacher is requesting 1 digital camera to take photographs of family members, community leaders, neighborhood sites and school events as a means of engaging students in their community environment.
Example #3: Elmo Document Presenter to Make Science
Findings Presentable!
This teacher is requesting an ELMO Visual Presenter to enable her science students to present their findings to their peers in an engaging way… making science presentation based!
Example #4: Outfitting the Computer Lab for Auditory
Learning
This teacher is requesting sturdy headphones with volume control so that every student can benefit from auditory lessons in the computer lab.
Example #5: GPS Units for Interactive, Geographic Treasure
Hunting
This teacher is requesting 8 GPS Receivers to hunt for treasure, and make geography interactive!
Over 35 Express Vendors to Choose From …
Here are a Few: Best Buy Lab Safety Supply Quill Corporation Teacher's School
Supply Carolina Biological
Supply
ABC School Supply Barnes and Noble Frey Scientific Nasco Office Depot School Specialty Lakeshore Learning
• Step 1: Craft a short, catchy title
• Step 2: Shop online for materials
• Step 3: Write a short, engaging essay
• Step 4: Submit!
Submitting a Proposal – 4 Steps
Tips on Writing a Winning Proposal The click factor. Creative titles catch donors’ attention & increase
the “click factor.”
Inform, but don't overwhelm. Be concise & avoid academic jargon.
Be real, but keep it upbeat. Describe reality of the need but focus on opportunities instead of shortcomings.
Be compelling. Use vivid language to create a picture of your classroom & students in donor’s mind. Help us see the learning!
Picture it with me. Upload a profile picture of you & your students.
Start small. Keep first project under $400. Increases funding success, and helps you build up points.
How Can I Help My Proposal Get Funded? Email your friends and family
Use “Tell a friend” function available in your account Use “Gift Registry” to create birthday, wedding, holiday registry Email friends & family the direct link to your project
Link to your proposal
Advertise! Link to your proposal on school website, on your blog, in your email signature, Facebook, MySpace, or LinkedIn pages
Don’t keep it a secret!
Tell your students’ parents, local businesses, the PTA All donations are tax-deductible
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: How long before a proposal is funded?
A: Cannot say for sure. Individuals decide
what to fund, not DonorsChoose.org
Historically Under $400: many funded in 3 months $400 - $1,000: many funded in 5 months $1K - $5K: less than half funded within 5 months $Over $5,000: rarely funded
60% success rate nationwide
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Can teachers request field trips
and/or visitors?
A: Yes, but must use the point system.
Point System Start with 3 points Spend points by submitting, earn points by completing
6 points = Field trip or visitor 6 points = Special request for materials not supplied by vendors
Questions?