The web site is so easy to manipulate and the readers are incredibly helpful if you have a problem. Read some of the grants that have been awarded, focus on something you really need. It helps to be in a Title I school. Also, have a catchy title that'll get noticed.
Yes, it is legit, but I have never used it. If you search the archives of AtoZ, then you will definitely find a lot of information about it. Good luck!
I have had two projects funded recently. I got an iPod and accessories and tons of educational toys/items for my Kdg. classroom. I highly recommend it. The directions are extremely straightforward. You have to be willing to follow through with their thank you process. It is very exciting to receive funding. Both of my projects were for items for my students with autism, but my regular ed. kids have benefited from them, as well. Good luck!
I've had two projects funded, one within HOURS of posting, and it's been wonderful. Just focus on a specific need, and try to keep the cost between $100-$300. Those seem to be the ones most likely to be funded.
I wish they had a website like this for private schools. Or that private schools could still post, in a separate section. It makes me kind of sad... (and, I'll admit it, a little jealous)
While I agree with Bandnerd about "cheaper" projects more likely to be funded, don't limit yourself. My cheapest to be funded was $600, and my most expensive $1200. I always get the "matched dollars" from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation due to being high school (so, once the donors get half of my project funded, the Gates automatically do the rest). So cool.
I love Donors Choose! I've had five or six projects funded, some as little as $200 and the biggest just over $1,000. I've gotten everything from an Election 2009 kit to science and math materials to a karaoke machine and archery equipment. Just make sure your grant is well-written and attention-getting... some co-workers had really dry and boring requests (for things like expensive book displays) that did not get funded. The more unique, the better.. at least from our experience! Definitely see if you match any of the criteria for special guaranteed partial funding.
I had a project funded at the end of the summer for a set of DVD's. And in the past two weeks I had two more projects funded both for books for my 6th grade library - about 100 in total. I love the site and I just posted another project!
