In addition to physical resources, teachers can create projects for virtual class trips and visitors, or for virtual professional development experiences. Here are some frequently asked questions on how and when to create these projects:
How do I create a virtual experience project?
For detailed information on how to create this type of project, see Creating a virtual class trip or virtual class visitor project.
Can I submit a project for a virtual experience that already took place or has already been paid for?
We are unable to reimburse schools for events that have already taken place, or for payments made before a project is fully funded.
How long will I have to fundraise?
Expiration dates for experience projects are set to four weeks prior to the date of the experience. If your dates are flexible, then the expiration date will be set to four weeks prior to the last possible date of the experience.
My virtual class trip or experience requires a deposit; what do I do?
Be sure to set your project's expiration date four weeks prior to the due date for the deposit. Since full project funding is not guaranteed, we cannot make advance payment for these reservations, nor can we reimburse a teacher or school for the deposit until the project is fully funded.
Can I change the date of my virtual trip or experience?
We understand that plans change over time! We are able to accommodate changes in class trip dates as long as the event is within 8 months of being funded, or within the current school year. If you can no longer attend the event within that time frame, contact us!
Can I submit a virtual class trip project for less than the total cost of the event?
You can submit a virtual trip or visitor project for less than the total cost of your event, as long as you can guarantee the remaining amount is being paid for by other means. Please include which specific costs you are fundraising for in your project essay so your donors and our team know that you only need partial funding. DonorsChoose can only pay up to the amount you fundraised for.
Can I submit one project for multiple virtual class trips?
Only one virtual class trip can be submitted per project. Separate trips for the same class, such as a request for an online tour with an aquarium, a museum, and a college campus, must be submitted as individual projects.
If your project requires a series of trips to complete the goal, such as a sequential series of workshops, the expiration date must be set for four weeks prior to the date of the first trip, and needs to be paid for in one payment.
How and when should I book my virtual experience?
Once your virtual trip or virtual visitor project is fully funded, you will receive an email from our team with the next steps to plan your experience. Be sure to complete these steps as soon as possible since checks can take at least 3 weeks to arrive once a payment is approved.
- Book and confirm your class trip or visitor, and ask them for an updated payment document for your event.
- Upload your payment document and complete the payment form on your account
Once you’ve uploaded your payment request, we will mail a check directly to your vendor(s).