Update August 27th: This funding opportunity is no longer available.
During Welcome Week, teachers who have never had a project fully funded on DonorsChoose will receive an automatic $50 welcome donation when they submit a project. Teachers who refer new teachers receive a $25 gift code.
Here's how to qualify:
- Teachers who have never had a project fully funded on DonorsChoose
- Submit a new project between August 20th and August 26th
Submit your first project
How to get involved in Welcome Week if you have already had a DonorsChoose project funded:
You can still participate! Earn a $25 DonorsChoose gift code by referring a teacher during Welcome Week. Click the button below to learn all about our Refer-a-Teacher program.
Refer a teacher for Welcome Week
- Projects being funded by state grants
- Projects posted before August 20th, 2023
- Projects submitted after August 26th, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Click the questions below to see their answers:
When do I have to submit a project?
In order to be eligible for a Welcome Week donation, submit a project between August 20th and 26th.
When can I expect to see the donation to appear on my project page?
You will see the $50 welcome donation on your project page within an hour of your project being approved and posted live on our site. You’ll also receive an email letting you know that you’ve received a donation.
What happens if I submit on time, but my project is posted after the 26th?
You will still receive the one-time donation! All eligible teachers who submit their project from 8/20 - 8/26 will receive the $50 welcome donation, regardless of whether or not the project is approved and posted live on our site during that time.
Am I eligible for the Welcome Week donation if I've submitted in previous years?
Yes! As long as you have never had a project receive full funding (meaning you met your entire fundraising goal), you are eligible for this $50 donation.
Am I eligible for the Welcome Week donation if I've received a few donations before?
Yes! As long as you have never had a project receive full funding (meaning you met your entire fundraising goal), you are eligible for the $50 donation.
If I am eligible for the welcome donation, can I submit multiple projects for Welcome Week?
Only the first project you submit in the Welcome Week timeframe will receive the $50 welcome donation. However, you can post as many projects on our site as you wish — our massive community of donors is more likely to contribute if you've got available projects!
What should I do to make sure my project gets funded after the welcome donation?
Kudos to you for thinking so proactively about your project success! One of the best ways to set yourself up for project funding is to spread the word about the LIFTOFF code to your friends and family. The LIFTOFF code is a special code for new teachers like you that matches up to $50 on first-time DonorsChoose teacher projects. Read more in our LIFTOFF Help Center article. You can also read our Tips for Success Help Center article for additional fundraising ideas.
What materials should I request for my first project?
For the best chance of getting fully funded, we recommend keeping your first project request under $600. You can get inspired by checking out our project ideas that are all under $500 and our list of commonly requested items. These are great places to start!
How do I refer someone to start their first project?
You can earn a $25 bonus for each new teacher you help get started using your Refer-a-Teacher link. The new teacher will need to click your referral link before they submit their first project. Check out more details and access your Refer-a-Teacher link: https://secure.donorschoose.org/refer.
Where can I find my unique DonorsChoose Refer-a-Teacher link?
You can find your unique referral link at https://secure.donorschoose.org/refer.
How should I show this to teachers in my community?
You can access flyers, a deck, and some great tips for hosting a DonorsChoose training here: https://www.donorschoose.org/teachertools
