As educators, we all want what’s best for our students. We want our classrooms to be stacked with an abundance of supplies such as pencils, glue sticks, paint, Play-Doh, stickers, crafts, books and more. However, when we begin teaching, reality sets in. If you’re not teaching in a well-to-do, financially stable, wealthy district, you’re like most other educators. But, you still want your students to have the same opportunities as students’ in wealthy districts and neighborhoods. Believe me, we’ve all been there.
I can relate all too well to this. There’s a big focus (as there should be) on classroom environment and making sure your classroom is welcoming, cozy and inviting for students. When I began working in NYC, “Teacher’s Choice” (funding provided by the UFT that is given to each teacher to spend on their classroom as they see fit) has increased dramatically. We now receive $250 to spend for the entire year. Like I said, this is a major increase, however, realistically speaking, teachers spend much more than $250 to set up a classroom and sustain it. The first full year I taught, I spent well over $1,000 on my classroom. The second, I spent $700 and now I’m in my third full year of teaching and I’ve already spent $500 (today is September 10th). Let those numbers sink in for a minute.
Sure, I didn’t spend the full $1,000 in one teacher supply haul. First, I had to buy bulletin board paper and borders, then scissors and glue sticks for when supplies ran out, candy as incentives, flexible seating options, welcome signs, books to refresh my library and so much more. Granted, I spent this by choice. I know teachers who don’t spend a dime over $250 and that’s their prerogative; me on the other hand, I want to make sure my students are given that same experience of being in a wealthy district, so I spend the extra money and to me it matters and makes a difference.
I want you to know that there are alternatives to spending your own, hard earned money. Below, I’m going to outline the alternatives that I’ve used.
1. Donors Choose!
I cannot stress this site enough!!!! I’ve gotten multiple projects funded. I’ve received 7 Chromebook laptops, a classroom iPad, stools, glue sticks, a pencil sharpener, pocket chart, SOOO many books, pens for Thinking Maps, even an oil diffuser to be used to calm my students. You can request LITERALLY ANYTHING on this site; whether it be supplies, technology, magazine subscriptions or even professional development! I highly encourage you to set up a profile today! The process is simple and once you describe your classroom, students, socioeconomic status and neighborhood, it is there forever and the only thing you will have to update is what you’re requesting and why.
2. Target
You read that correctly. Did you know that target does small mini-grants for educators? I mean, why wouldn’t they? They’re helping you; the teacher, the students and they’re receiving a tax write off in the process, it’s a win-win situation! All they ask is that you type up a formal request on your school’s letterhead, attach a tax exempt form with your school’s tax exempt code (ask a school secretary or principal for this information) and have a principal or assistant principal sign off on the request. Once Target receives this and reviews your request, they will give you vouchers (anywhere between $25-$100) and you can shop til’ you drop! One year, I received notebooks, pencils, Expo markers, glue sticks, laminating sheets and more as a donation!
3. Lowe’s Home Improvement Store
This may sound like a weird place to request a donation from. However, they have many items available that are applicable to a classroom. For example, they have rugs, cleaning supplies, Air Wick plug-ins (don’t underestimate the power of having this in your classroom), lumber for crate seats, outside decorative pillows that can be used for flexible seating options, spray paint, adhesive spray, Duck Tape, paint, curtain rods, curtains, tennis balls for the bottom of students’ chairs and more. This process is the same as Target’s process, you need to type up a formal request on your school’s letterhead, attach a tax exempt form with your school’s code and have a principal or AP sign off on it. Similar to Target, once Lowes reviews your request, you will receive vouchers to be used at their store to purchase whatever you need.
Pro Tip: For all Lowe’s and Target requests, you MUST stay on top of them. For whatever reason, in my experience, the person in charge of donations is not very persistent. When you drop off the request at Customer Service (if a manager is not available) ask for the person’s name and write it down. Then, every other day call and ask to speak to this person, until you receive an answer for your request.
4. Grants
I haven’t had much luck with writing grants and they’re extremely time consuming. If you’ve received grants and can share information on this topic, please comment below so I can learn more about this process! One grant I have received is “Mary Pope Osbourne’s Gift of Books Grant” in which I received a class set of Magic Tree House books. My students love to read these books! Note: there are some requirements for this grant, such as you must be a Title I school.
I hope this information has been helpful and informative! These are the top four resources that I’ve used to receive funding for my classroom.
Xo,
