Mission: To address the scarcity and inequitable distribution of learning materials and experiences in U.S. public schools.

Background:
Charles Best, a social studies teacher dismayed by the shortage of books and supplies in his school, founded Donors Choose in spring 2000. The organization created an online marketplace where teachers solicit funding for specific student projects they have often paid for without reimbursement. Donors Choose screens each proposal before posting it online, and when a donor comes forward to fund it, the organization purchases the materials for the teacher (shipping them directly to the school) and compiles photographs, student thank-you notes, a teacher impact letter as feedback for the donor(s), and an expenditure report. As of mid-September 2005, Donors Choose had received $4 million to fund projects for more than 226,000 mostly low-income students from donors throughout the United States, whose generosity paid for books, technology, and classroom supplies, most of which teachers can use for more than one year.

Outstanding Web Features:
The Donors Choose online marketplace provides visitors the option to search by region or subject, and to refine a search for more targeted information. They can also browse by region, subject, type of resource, student profiles, cost to complete, or special categories, such as "partially funded" or "A+ ideas." For visitors in need of ideas or inspiration, the Web site supplies case studies, descriptions of funded proposals, donor testimonials, and impact data. Each donor receives an online account for tracking and managing his or her giving, including subject areas funded and number of students helped.