DonorsChoose is a US nonprofit where public school teachers post requests for classroom materials and experiences, and members of the public fund them. When a project is fully funded, DonorsChoose buys the items and ships them directly to the school, so the money goes to materials rather than to the teacher's bank account.
Nothing is being sold to you, so the codes here are not discounts. They are match offers and credits that make a donation go further. Giving well on DonorsChoose means choosing a project that will actually get funded, understanding what a code does, and keeping your receipt.
Choosing a DonorsChoose project
You can search DonorsChoose by school, subject, grade level, location and need. Many donors support a school in their own area or a subject they care about, such as science kits, books or classroom technology.
Look at how much is still needed and the expiry date. A project that is close to its goal is likely to be completed by your gift, which means the teacher gets the materials sooner. A large project with little funding and a near expiry date is less certain.
Read the teacher's description of the students and how the items will be used. DonorsChoose shows an itemised list of what is being bought, so you can see exactly where the money goes.
DonorsChoose also lets you follow a teacher or school, so you hear when they post a new request. Donors who fund a project often receive thank-you notes and photos of the materials in use, which is a good sign the classroom is active.
How match codes and double donations work
Companies, foundations and individuals partner with DonorsChoose to match donations. Some matches apply automatically to eligible projects, shown on the project page. Others are unlocked by entering a match code at checkout.
A "double your donation" code means a partner adds an equal amount to your gift, so a $25 donation delivers $50 to the classroom. You still pay $25; the extra comes from the partner's fund.
Match funds are limited. When a partner's pool runs out, the code stops working, and codes are often limited to certain projects, dates or first-time donors. Check that the checkout shows the match before you pay.
Gift cards and account credits
A DonorsChoose gift card lets the recipient choose which classroom project to fund. It is a thoughtful present for a teacher, a student or someone who likes to give, since they pick the cause.
If a project you gave to does not reach its goal by its expiry date, DonorsChoose typically returns your donation as account credits, which you can redirect to another project. Check your account if you receive a notice about an expired project, and spend credits before they lapse.
The optional contribution at checkout
At checkout, DonorsChoose asks whether you want to add an optional amount to support its operations. This pays for vetting projects, purchasing and shipping. It is optional; adjust it to whatever you are comfortable with, including zero.
If you want every dollar to reach the classroom, reduce the optional amount. If you value the service, leave it in.
Tax receipts and giving records
DonorsChoose is a registered charity in the US, and donations are generally tax-deductible for US taxpayers who itemise. DonorsChoose emails a receipt for each donation and keeps a history in your account.
Whether you can deduct a gift depends on your own tax situation. Keep the receipts and ask a tax adviser if the amount matters. Only the amount you paid counts, not any match a partner added.
Where the DonorsChoose savings are
The first two DonorsChoose codes are match codes. Enter one at checkout and, if the partner fund is still open and your project is eligible, a matching amount is added to your gift. That doubles the impact rather than lowering what you pay.
The $50 code is listed as a dollar amount, but on a donation platform it most likely works as a bonus or matching credit toward a project, not money off. Enter it at checkout and read exactly what DonorsChoose says it will do before confirming.
Only one DonorsChoose code usually applies per donation, and match codes can have minimum amounts or be restricted to new donors. If a code fails, look on the project page for an automatic match instead; many projects carry one.
A small gift to a project already matched is often the most effective use of money on DonorsChoose, because each dollar is doubled and the project is closer to being funded.
Common questions
Does the teacher receive cash from DonorsChoose?
No. DonorsChoose buys the requested items and ships them to the school.
What does a DonorsChoose match code do?
A partner adds money to your donation, often doubling it. You pay only your own gift.
What if a DonorsChoose project is not funded?
Your gift is typically returned as credits to redirect to another project.
Are DonorsChoose donations tax-deductible?
Generally yes in the US for those who itemise. Check with a tax adviser for your situation.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| $10 off | Promo code | View at DonorsChoose → |
| $5 off | Promo code | View at DonorsChoose → |
| $14 off | Promo code | View at DonorsChoose → |
| Get Double Donations Storewide at DonorsChoose | Promo code | View at DonorsChoose → |
