7 Places to Get Free - 0 views
started by Bret Biornstad on 14 Aug 11
started by Bret Biornstad on 14 Aug 11
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started by Bret Biornstad on 14 Aug 11
7 Places to Get Free Supplies or Money for Your Classroom
As the new school year starts many of us will look around our classrooms and compile lists of things that we need or would like to have. And many of us will end up cracking into our personal bank accounts to get those things. (The fact that the IRS allows teachers to deduct up to $250 without receipts is indication enough that a lot teachers spend their own money for school supplies). Before you run off to Staples, do a little research and you just mind find that you can get some of the things you need without spending your own money. Here are some online resources you can try to get money and or supplies for your classroom this year.
Donors Choose is a non-profit organization with a mission of helping under-funded schools. Donors Choose uses the term "citizen philanthropy" to describe its program. Donors Choose essentially solicits funding from private citizens (and some corporations) which get to choose the projects they wish to fund. Donors can donate as much as they like to one or more projects. Donors Choose provides potential donors with information about the projects that need funding and the financial situation of the schools submitting requests. (Donations made through Donors Choose are tax deductible, but as always, check with your tax professional).
Classwish is a service through which teachers can find people willing to help purchase supplies for their classrooms. Classwish operates in a very similar manner to Donors Choose. On Classwish, teachers can create a wish list of supplies that they need for classrooms that aren't provided in their school budgets. People looking to help teachers can purchase products on a teacher's list and receive a tax deduction for their purchase.