It’s not too difficult to find sources of support. In fact, a quick search of the internet yields a number of crowdfunding resources available to help you obtain your class set of Walking Classroom materials.
Check out these crowdfunding platforms and guides touted by educators to obtain classroom gear . . .
- Donorschoose.org is a nonprofit started in 2000 by a high school teacher from the Bronx. It is dedicated to granting classroom requests.
- public schools only; campaigns can last up to four months; no fees for teachers
- Classwish.org is a nonprofit committed to versatility by allowing any type of support to any K-12 school or educator within the United States!
- no fees; for public/private k-12 schools, day care centers, after-school programs, community colleges; teachers, student teachers, administrators, librarians, guidance counselors and more
- Adoptaclassroom.org is a nonprofit aimed at filling the resource gap in classrooms that is, in many cases, being filled by the teachers themselves.
- easy to navigate; no fees
- Gofundme.com is a for-profit online fundraising tool suited for individuals, groups and organizations. It offers an education-specific category!
- widely used; good support; fees deducted from donations; permits schools to spend funds as soon as received; no deadlines or goal requirement
- Education World article, Raise Money with Crowdfunding: Top 9 Tips for Schools
- provides guidance for getting the most from 21st century funding
- incorporates teacher success stories
According to . . .
a recent article in the Associated Press, “education campaigns on GoFundMe and DonorsChoose have skyrocketed, collectively increasing from $31.2 million in 2010 to $140 million in 2015. In the last 12 months alone, DonorsChoose saw more than 50,000 campaigns live on the site, while GoFundMe raised $58 million.”
This is simply a start . . .
Explore these and other options. Be sure to do your research. Fees and features can change!
Therefore, why wait? Determine which platform you would like to use and get your project started. In no time, you and your students will be walking, listening, and learning with The Walking Classroom. Be sure to check back in two weeks! The next post in our Friday Funding Tips series will highlight the ABC’s of Crowdfunding.
Thank for this informative post!! I have often used Donorschoose.org, but having these other sites is great information. I will definitely share this post on Facebook for my other teacher friends. Walking Classroom has just been awesome!
Today I ran out of time and the students were so upset that we didn’t do it this morning that I will be surprising them by doing it in the afternoon!
Thank you for sharing Autumn! As a veteran user of Donorschoose.org, are there any techniques for either crafting or spreading your crowdfunding campaigns that you’ve discovered work better than others?
My principal heard about the Walking Classroom program last winter and spoke to me about it because she knew about my passion for exercise and how it relates to student engagement. When I checked into the program, I knew it was beyond our district’s budget. However, I went ahead and put my name on the waiting list for a grant. I considered it an early birthday present last July when I got the email that we got the kits. I literally “my happy dance” at home in my living room.
Pam, glad to hear that your birthday wish came true! Hope this is a gift that ‘keeps-on-giving’ and that both you and your students continue to reap the physical and academic benefits of the Walking Classroom for a long time to come.