It’s no secret that most teachers fund their classrooms. Whether it’s curriculum or supplies, many of us are paying out of pocket in order to serve our students. Thankfully, there are websites out there that help teachers raise money as well as a few functional activities you can do with students to raise money for your classroom.
**DISCLAIMER: For any of the options listed below, be sure to get admin approval first. Each school/district and state might be different with restrictions on how money is raised and used within the classroom.
1. DonorsChoose.com
Donors Choose is a crowdfunding website that funds teachers’ projects for supplies and curriculum. To ensure integrity, they vet all requests, purchase each item, and ship materials directly to verified teachers. Not all schools or “educators” qualify though so be sure to check your eligibility to start a project here.
SIMILAR SITES:
BETTERWORLD.ORG, ADOPTACLASSROOM.ORG, SUPPLYATEACHER.ORG
2. Grants
Apply for grants that you/your class qualify for to get projects funded. Various grants can be found on Teach.com, Getedfunding.com, and Fundsforteachers.org, or through a quick Google Search!
3. TPT Class Fund
If you shop on TeachersPayTeachers.com for curriculum, you can also set up a fundraising page to help raise money towards your purchases! You can tell donors about your classroom and the specific resources you want to buy to help you get funded! Check out more information here: www.teacherspayteachers.com/TpTClassFund
4. Recycling
Save all of those soda cans you, your staff and your students drink. If approved by admin, maybe even set out recycle trash cans throughout campus and collect on a daily/weekly basis. Take a CBI trip to the recycling center and collect some money in return for your recyclables!
5. Student Business
Run a student-led business selling crafts, baked goods, coffee…etc. Not only will you raise money, but this is a great opportunity to teach students valuable vocational skills. Check out student business ideas and how to start a student business here.
6. Amazon Classroom Wishlist
Get the exact supplies you need by saving every item you want on a customized list page that you can share and is readily viewable by donors. To set up your wishlist: First, log-in to your Amazon account. Once you’re logged in, click where it says “Hello, your name.” In that dropdown, you will see the option to “Create a List.”’ Once you click the button, give your list a name like “Room 805 Wish List” or “Mrs. [Your Last Name]’s Room.”
7. Parent Donations
Send parents a monthly letter requesting donations for cooking lesson supplies and community-based instruction. Most parents are usually willing to donate towards their child’s education but be sure to include in your letter that even if a parent does not donate, their child will still be included in activities.
*Some schools don’t allow collection donations – make sure to get clarification and admin approval on this one!
8. Social Media Giveaways
Many teacher influencers or resource sellers like myself will do product, gift card, or classroom supply giveaways throughout the year. It might not be something that is going to fully fund your classroom and you might need a little luck – but hey, if you win, how awesome is it to get something for free! Most of the time, all you have to do is comment & like the photo, or sign up for a newsletter to enter the giveaway.
I host giveaways a minimum of 5 times a year, be sure to follow me on all social media outlets to have a better chance at winning! Follow me on INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK.
9. Buy Nothing Project
This is a wonderful movement where you can receive free things from your neighbors (when they are getting rid of stuff) – and vice versa, you share the love by donating things you are getting rid of. Many people are often donating toys, books, and more that can be used in a classroom! You can connect with your neighborhood on Facebook groups and their app. https://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group
10. Facebook Marketplace/Offer Up
Similarly to the Buy Nothing Project, people are always getting rid of stuff for free or very cheap on Facebook marketplace, Offer Up, or similar “yard sale” type apps. Usually when things are free though, they go quick, so you have to be constantly searching listings and message the seller asap to hopefully get that free item you have your eye on.
Thanks for reading!
You might also enjoy reading:
