We encourage donors to dedicate 15% of each donation to support the work that we do. Donors' inclusion of this suggested donation enables us to pay our bills, our rent, and our employees. This optional but encouraged donation is the only way we're able to continue supporting public schools nationwide!
The suggested donation supports the labor performed by DonorsChoose to bring project requests to life. DonorsChoose ensures end-to-end integrity on every project by reviewing project submissions, procuring materials, verifying school shipping addresses, and maintaining contact with the teachers and other school officials throughout the process. These suggested donations are essential to keep DonorsChoose going! Charity Navigator, America’s premier charity evaluator, has given DonorsChoose its highest rating— 4 out of 4 stars— for our fiscal transparency and efficiency.
If you would like to exclude or adjust the suggested 15% from your donation, click “edit” or “suggested 15% donation” at checkout. Choose your desired percentage, click Save, then proceed through checkout. Each time a donor opts out, we recalculate the amount remaining on your project.
Note: The suggested donation is not included in the purchase of gift cards or credits. Rather, it’s included when applying those funds to projects so the recipient of your gift card can choose to include or exclude the amount.