Mount Vernon is a Big Winner with DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose.org is a simple way to provide students in need with resources that our schools often lack. At this not-for-profit web site, teachers submit project proposals for materials or experiences their students need to learn. These ideas become classroom reality when concerned individuals, whom we call Citizen Philanthropists, choose projects to fund.

DonorsChoose is even a more exciting possibility because we have seen several projects awarded in our district so we know that it works. 

Each year, I hear of several of our teachers having their projects funded through DonorsChoose.org.  

I just heard from Sara Dessert who is a teacher in the Quest Program at Jefferson who had her proposal for a laptop for her classroom granted by Starbucks! 

Check out the list of teachers from Mount Vernon who have had projects funded through DonorsChoose.org    I count 64 projects that have been funded in the Mount Vernon School District!

Ali Skjei's 4th Grade Class at Lincoln

As I browsed through the site, I also noticed a new proposal which still needs funding.    

So as you can see from the great success we have had in our district, DonorsChoose.org is a great place to help get a project funded.  

Here is how it works. 

1. Go to DonorsChoose.Org/Teachers and write a proposal. The website takes you step by step through writing the proposal. There are many sample projects to look at for inspiration.

2. Shop for items for your proposal on the site.

3. When, (I am being positive) your proposal is granted, you will be asked to have your students write thank you notes and take photos of your students using the materials granted. You will also be asked to write a letter sharing what the impact of the grant has had on your class.  

Perhaps your project can be advertised on your school web page so that parents and community members will have the opportunity to help fund the project.

Here are some tips for writing a successful proposal:

• Give your project a great title and your essay a snazzy first line.
• Keep your project cost to less than $400.  More costly projects are funded, but they recommend starting with something $400 or less. 
• Speak from the heart when writing your essay.
• Check your project essay for spelling and grammar.

Ideas of projects that could be funded.

• Novel Sets
• Dictionaries
• Cameras
• Web Cams
• Art Supplies
• Games
• Headphones
• Speakers
• Document Camera
• Microscope
• GPS Receivers

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