Initiate a Fund-A-Classroom Campaign

Fund-A-Classroom is our online crowdfunding platform—exclusive to District 200. Educators initiate campaigns that will enhance education in classrooms and Library Learning Centers (LLCs). Donors direct their contributions to specific campaigns; the educators who initiate those campaigns are responsible for attracting donations.  Fund-A-Classroom is distinct from our Student Excellence Grants, which are funded from donations to the Foundation, not directed to a specific purpose.

To initiate a Fund-A-Classroom campaign, sign up at this Kaleidoscope link: Fund-A-Classroom Campaign

Who can apply and when?

Who? Any District 200 educator who works directly with students (teachers, LLC Directors, counselors, social workers, principals, etc.) may initiate a campaign.

When? Anytime! Unlike grants, there are no submission deadlines for Fund-A-Classroom. Educators are encouraged to submit a campaign as needs arise during the year.

How does it work?

When an educator submits a campaign, it’s reviewed by their school principal and a District administrator, as well as the Foundation, to make sure it complies with school, District, and Foundation policies. Once a campaign is approved, it’s placed on a landing page with other active campaigns and is eligible to receive donations.

Then it’s up to you to attract donors to make it a reality.

What can I ask for? Any resource that’s needed to benefit students, not including anything covered within the normal school operating budget or teacher stipends/salaries.

How much can I ask for? There’s no specific amount, but most successful proposals range from $250-$1,500. The higher the price tag, the more compelling a proposal should be — you’ll need to attract more donors or larger contributions if your goal is higher.

How long will it take for my campaign to be funded?  Most successful Fund-A-Classroom campaigns are funded within several days to several weeks.  When you fill out a campaign application, you’ll be asked to establish an end date for your fundraising.  Your end date should consider when you need the requested resources.  The more you’re able to market your project, the more likely it will get funded.

How we Manage Fund-A-Classroom Donations: Sometimes, campaigns are only partially funded, and sometimes funds remain after an educator has purchased their project items. Please review our Fund-A-Classroom Donation Policies for more information.

What about Donors Choose etc.?

How is starting a Fund-A-Classroom campaign different from starting a project on Donors Choose, Adopt-a-Classroom, or other national crowdfunding websites?

Other crowdfunding websites rely on donors finding your project on a national website, aren’t tied to your school or District 200, and don’t have the endorsement of your school or District 200. With Fund-A-Classroom, potential donors start on the Student Excellence Foundation website and proceed to a list of campaigns in District 200. It also provides unique resources for you to promote your campaign via social media; you can enter updates to your campaign that are automatically emailed to your donors.  In addition, donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law, and purchases (made by the District) are not subject to Illinois sales tax.

Fund-A-Classroom campaigns are managed by the Student Excellence Foundation and are focused on the District 200 community.  We promote the program to potential community and corporate donors and maintain a database of those donors to benefit future campaigns.

If you have any questions about the Fund-A-Classroom program, feel free to contact us at FundaClassroom@StudentExcellenceFoundation.org. We’re happy to help!