DonorsChoose Announces $1 Million Gift to Public School Teachers from Craig Newmark Philanthropies
NEW YORK, May 7, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Craig Newmark Philanthropies has donated $1 million to requests from public school teachers across the country on the nonprofit education crowdfunding site DonorsChoose. The gift empowered a $25 donation to more than 38,000 projects on the site. As part of the donation, Newmark is calling upon teachers to share on social media their experiences teaching during the coronavirus pandemic, using the hashtag #respectforteachers.
"Teachers everywhere have earned lots more respect and pay. Contributions via DonorsChoose are a solid way to show that respect," said Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies.
The donation supported requests for materials that teachers will use when they return to the classroom, as well as the new Distance Learning Projects from DonorsChoose, which allow teachers to ship funded materials to their student's home or their own home so that learning can continue while schools are closed.
"Our nation's teachers are working harder than ever to ensure that their students are learning and succeeding. We are so grateful for Craig's Teacher Appreciation Week gift," said Charles Best, founder of DonorsChoose. "His donation, as well as the conversation he's inspiring online, demonstrate the importance of supporting teachers who are going above and beyond during these difficult times, playing an essential role for our children and communities."
Craig Newmark Philanthropies has been a long-time supporter of DonorsChoose. For Teacher Appreciation Week in 2019, Newmark gave $1 million to match public donations to teacher requests In 2017, he made a $1 million match donation to support the classroom projects of public schools that serve military children. In 2018, he gave over $1 million to match donations made to STEM classroom projects, with a special focus on efforts that supported girls' education on these topics. He has also given to schools damaged by Hurricane Harvey and to classrooms in New Jersey.
To support a teacher this Teacher Appreciation Week, visit http://www.donorschoose.org.
About Craig Newmark Philanthropies
Craig Newmark Philanthropies was created by craigslist founder Craig Newmark to support and connect people and drive broad civic engagement. The organization works to advance people and grassroots organizations that are getting stuff done in areas that include trustworthy journalism, voter protection, gender diversity in technology, and veterans and military families. For more information, please visit CraigNewmarkPhilanthropies.org.
About DonorsChoose
DonorsChoose is the leading way to give to public schools. Since 2000, more than 4.2 million people and partners have contributed $955 million to support 1.6 million teacher requests for classroom resources and experiences. As the most trusted crowdfunding platform for teachers, donors, and district administrators alike, DonorsChoose vets each request, ships the funded resources directly to the classroom, and provides thank yous and reporting to donors and school leaders. Charity Navigator and GuideStar have awarded DonorsChoose, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, their highest ratings for transparency and accountability. For more information, visit http://www.donorschoose.org.
SOURCE DonorsChoose
