Although DonorsChoose connects classroom teachers directly with contributors, we perform a lot of work to insure the integrity of that exchange.

For each student project proposal, staff and volunteers perform 14 tasks. Before posting a proposal, for example, we verify the availability of the resources sought, negotiate for any discounts, and attach a price tag. Next, we examine the body of the proposal, emailing follow-up questions if anything is unclear.

When a project is funded, we purchase the resources and have them delivered to the teacher's school. We also send the teacher a disposable camera and guidelines for writing thank-you notes. Upon receiving that feedback, we develop the photographs, photocopy the thank-you notes, and generate a line-item expenditure report, all of which goes to the donor.

After clicking to fund a proposal, the donor can choose not to cover the fulfillment cost. We depend on our donors, however, to help us execute the student projects they have chosen to sponsor. Inclusion of the fulfillment cost is essential to the continued existence and success of DonorsChoose.