We know that sourcing donations for schools and PTA/PTOs can be difficult, so TheShareWay has compiled a list of companies who will donate school supplies including books and computers, as well as in-kind donations for fundraisers and monetary grants.
Office & school supplies | 35 day notice
Mead produces quality office supplies targeted towards students, including folders, binders, notebooks, and planners.
Digital notebooks | 501c3
Rocketbook is producing the notebooks of the future, digitizing the pen and paper experience with their unique, reusable notebooks designed for cloud connectivity via their Rocketbook App. They value sustainability, and make their products with recyclable plastics.
Books | 501c3
Chronicle Books is an independent publisher based in San Francisco.
Office & school supplies | 501c3
Staples, Inc. is an American multinational office supply retailing corporation. It currently comprises over 1,500 stores in North America.
Office & school supplies | 501c3
Bic is a manufacturing company best known for its disposable consumer products such as mechanical pencils and pens.
To make it easier for you to apply to many companies at once, TheShareWay has compiled a list of companies that have explicitly stated that they do donate to schools.
Pizza | 501c3
Grimaldi’s is an American pizza chain from the New York City area with several restaurants throughout the United States. They donate gift cards and pizza, and prioritize schools in the vicinity of their pizzerias.
Museum | 501c3 | 60 day notice
The National Children's Museum is a unique hybrid institution, combining the learning elements of a science center with exploration through play. They donate 4 admission tickets and they prefer schools and education organizations based in Washington, D.C. that serve children and/or families.
Meals | 501c3
Mimi's Cafe serves American and French comfort foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in cozy, New Orleans-themed restaurants, and donate to schools and PTA/PTOs.
Meals | 501c3 | 30 day notice
Cattlemens is an authentic, family-oriented Western-themed steakhouse. They serve Harris Ranch All-Natural beef that is hand-cut daily by their own butchers.
Museum | 501c3 | 28 day notice
Chicago's Adler Planetarium is America's first planetarium and a premiere resource for inspiring the next generation of space explorers with programs for all ages. They donate 4 guest passes.
Meals | 42 day notice
Pancheros Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant serving burritos, homemade queso, fresh-pressed tortillas, and more. They donate food and raffle items.
Desserts
Molly's Cupcakes, a winner of the show "Cupcake Wars" has locations in Chicago, NYC, and Iowa City, and supports school functions and fundraisers.
Meals
Squisito Pizza & Pasta is a chain of fast-casual restaurants bringing the best of two worlds to the same kitchen, combining the flavors of Italy and authentic New York-style Pizza. They Support the local community with priority given to schools and youth activities.
Amusement Park | 501c3
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is a water park that boasts a number of attractions, including steep slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. They donate 2 park tickets.
Desserts | 501c3 | 56 day notice
Fat Witch Bakery is a well-known Chelsea Market shop specializing in brownies in multiple flavors, plus gift boxes. They support school functions and fundraisers.
Before you make a donation request to a company not on the list above, be sure to check if the company explicitly states that they do not donate to schools or PTA/PTOs. Here are a few examples of companies that do NOT donate to schools.
One great resource teachers can use to raise funds for classroom supplies is DonorsChoose. DonorsChoose is a nonprofit classroom crowdfunding site for public school teachers.
DonorsChoose allows public school teachers to request funding for specific school supplies. Teachers can create a shopping list from their list of vendors, and once the project is fully funded, DonorsChoose will purchase the items and ship them directly to the teacher.
For more information about DonorsChoose, check out their about us page.
Also check out similar crowdfunding sites, such as AdoptAClassroom.
There are many grant opportunities for educators to apply to. Here are a few:
For a list of other grants you can apply to, visit this site.
Many restaurants can partner with schools and organizations to host fundraisers. Here is a list of a few restaurants you can request to partner with to fundraise for your school.
Don't forget to check out this resource on requesting donations for silent auctions and this one with unique raffle basket ideas. Finally, if you're stuck on fundraiser ideas, a tricky tray fundraiser or a penny social, sometimes known as Chinese Auctions, can be a great options.
Cover photo by Agence Olloweb on Unsplash
TheShareWay is a directory of hundreds of companies that donate food, beverages, and auction and raffle items to nonprofits and schools.