I want to create a Donors Choose project for a horseshoe table and stools/chairs to go with it. Do you think I should create one project with all of it. Or separate it- table as a project, the chairs/stools as a project. If I separate it, do I wait until the first is funded before doing the second or put them both up at the same time? I'm trying to maximize success, so I would love some opinions!!!
I would list it altogether. I've never done donors choose but I would be bummed if I got my table funded but not the chairs/stools to go with it because I did a separate project.
Probably together. People like to fund projects that have a cohesive picture or idea of how it will work in your classroom. You might be able to do that with just the table, but then when it came time to fund the chairs, it would be pretty difficult to make a compelling case why these chairs would be the greatest thing to come into your classroom since sliced bread.
How much would the total be? I try to keep mine below $400 and have a lot of luck getting them funded. This is a good time to post them-I always have one up during back-to-school season! :thumb:
It depends on the price. If this is your first project, I think you have to stay under $500, and they prefer you to stay with something kind of small, like around $100, until you establish yourself as a reliable recepient.
I have seen success with the smaller projects. If a table and chairs seems too much to start with, start with the table. Kiddos can bring their chairs or you can scrounge some up from school. Later you can have another project for your chairs and you may decide you don't want chairs after all. I know some teachers who use balls at their group table to sit on or milk crates with padded covers.
My very first project was about $1400 and it was fully funded. You just have to keep it below $2000. The project I currently have up was about $1,000, but the first 50% was partner-funded. I'd go for the whole thing. I saw a teacher in my area who made 3 different projects at the same time and even though I know it added up to less than mine, seeing her name/picture over and over again looked like a bit much.
The table is just under $300. I know they add fees. It will be under $1000 even with chairs. I just knew the success rate is higher with smaller projects. I've never had a project funded. I tried once at my nc school.
If you are going to put it all together I suggest doing it quickly and only shop from Quill. Right now quill is doing a matching offer and will fund half of your project if you get the other half funded. Plus the first week your project is posted when people donate and use the code "INSPIRE" their donation is doubled. So if your project costs 1,000 the quill match will bring it down to 500 and you could essentially get it funded for 250 if you can get those donations in the first 7 days it's posted.
