The Gift That Keeps on Giving

If you haven't heard about DonorsChoose.org you should definitely look into this charity and consider adding it to the list of those to which you donate. I am a huge fan of this charity - it serves a vital purpose and offers donors an element of choice not available with most other charities. The organization can describe themselves far better than I can...

"DonorsChoose.org was pioneered by teachers at a Bronx public high school in the spring of 2000. Charles Best, then a social studies teacher, saw first-hand the scarcity of materials in our public school classrooms and the profound impact of this scarcity on kids' education. Looking for a way to address this problem, he sensed an untapped potential in people who were frustrated by their lack of influence over the use of their charitable donations. DonorsChoose.org, a website connecting classrooms in need with individuals who want to help, was born. DonorsChoose.org is dedicated to addressing the scarcity and inequitable distribution of learning materials and experiences in our public schools."

Essentially, you can read requests from teachers from all over the country for funds for various projects necessary for their classrooms. The projects are described by the teachers in detail as is the intended allocation of the requested funds and the amount necessary to complete the request. You can choose the project you would like to fund in a variety of ways including the type of project or resource you would like to fund (or assist with funding), the area in which the school is located, the poverty level of the area or the amount needed to complete the project. As for your contribution, you can contribute the full amount needed to a project, the remaining amount or any amount for that matter (a number of the projects are also eligible for Double Your Impact offers which trigger matching funds from corporations and other foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation). Depending on the teacher, the project and the amount you donate you may receive handwritten thank you's from the students and/or be sent a link to pictures of the students using the materials purchased with the donations (both of which are truly rewarding to get/see).

DonorsChoose.org also offers what I believe to be the ultimate gift you can buy for someone (it is one gift that even the person that has everything doesn't have), a DonorsChoose.org Giving Card. Just like any gift card, you prepay an amount which goes on the card and the recipient can choose the project(s) s/he want to receive the funds. You can also make a donation in the name of the recipient and send them a note (through the site) letting them know all the details which is great for those that are not computer savvy but otherwise, I think the Giving Card is a lot more unique, fun and gratifying for the recipient.