COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 242

November 16, 2007

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Billy K. Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	DonorsChoose.org

Teachers often have great ideas for engaging their students in active learning, but may lack the resources or materials to implement these ideas. Now, through a not-for-profit website, DonorsChoose.org, Virginia teachers may submit project proposals for funding through charitable donations.

Teachers participate by registering and submitting project requests at www.DonorsChoose.org/VA. Individuals across the country then browse the requests and fund projects of their choosing. Once a project is fully funded, DonorsChoose.org ships supplies or materials directly to the school. A majority of projects require funding of $450 or less and are fully funded within 60 days.

To ensure that Virginia schools benefit from DonorsChoose.org, all public school teachers are encouraged to visit www.DonorsChoose.org/VA. First-time users should click on Teachers: Submit Proposals Here (located on the blackboard to the left of the image of the children), register and then follow the instructions to submit proposals.

For more information, contact Julie C. Grimes, communications manager, Office of Communications, by e-mail at Julie.Grimes@doe.virginia.gov, or by phone at (804) 225-2775.

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