Amazon Donates to Teacher Projects in 62 SFUSD Schools

Press Release

San Francisco, CA (December 21, 2021) - The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and SFUSD’s non-profit partner Spark* SF Public Schools announced that Amazon will fund classroom projects from SFUSD teachers on the national non-profit platform DonorsChoose. 

Amazon is offering to fund up to $200 per classroom project for teachers in SFUSD schools that match the DonorsChoose criteria of its Equity Focus Schools program; at least 50% of students are Black, Latinx, Native American, Pacific Islander, or multiracial and at least 50% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, the standard measure for school economic need. This funding is available to all teachers whether they currently have projects on DonorsChoose or not. The campaign will begin on January 3, 2022 and will extend throughout the school year until all dollars are allocated. The gift is expected to be granted to hundreds of teachers across 62 San Francisco schools. 

Teachers can find their school page on DonorsChoose here to determine if their school is eligible and those with existing DonorsChoose accounts will get an email informing them of this opportunity. Funding is available for projects posted through the end of this school year or until funds are fully depleted. 

“Teachers have always been heroes in our communities and their incredible work during the pandemic to keep our students connected and thriving has been remarkable. Amazon is grateful for their work and hope this gift encourages them this holiday season as we celebrate the new year back in the classroom,” said Sally Kay, Amazon’s Sr. Manager of External Affairs in Northern California.

“During this season of giving and beyond, we are so grateful to those who step up and support our educators,” said SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews. “We appreciate DonorsChoose and Amazon for helping to fund our teachers’ projects, whether that be new art materials or technology for learning; our creative and innovative educators are ready to utilize your support.” 

SFUSD and Spark* SF Public Schools have officially partnered with DonorsChoose since November 2019, helping teachers tap into a network of 5 million donors to support classroom projects and more seamlessly align with district strategy and operations.

As a member of the DonorsChoose District Partnership Program, SFUSD is able to fully support teachers in the use of the platform, ensure safety and security, and align efforts with the district’s strategic priorities. SFUSD will be able to monitor all donated materials, and principals will be notified each time a project is funded and receive an early notification when there are new “matching” fund opportunities. 

“This collaboration with Amazon, The San Francisco Unified School District, and Spark* SF Public Schools emphasizes an equitable approach to education that benefits students across the city’s public schools,” said Charles Best, founder of DonorsChoose. “DonorsChoose is proud to be part of a cross-sector partnership that’s funding those extra resources for Equity Focus Schools as they enter the second half of the academic year.”

About DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose is the leading way to give to public schools. Since 2000, 5 million people and partners have contributed $1.2 million to support 2 million teacher requests for classroom resources and experiences. As the most trusted crowdfunding platform for teachers, donors, and district administrators alike, DonorsChoose vets each request, ships the funded resources directly to the classroom, and provides thank yous and reporting to donors and school leaders. Charity Navigator and GuideStar have awarded DonorsChoose, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, their highest ratings for transparency and accountability. For more information, visit www.donorschoose.org/sfusd.

About SFUSD and Spark* SF Public Schools 

Serving over 50,000 students across 119 schools, SFUSD’s mission is to provide every student with the quality instruction and equitable support required to thrive in the 21st century. The district, along with its non-profit organization Spark* SF Public Schools, is committed to helping all students develop strong academic knowledge and skills, as well as the dispositions and behaviors to increase their curiosity and engagement, activate their full potential for learning, and prepare them for life, work, and study beyond their secondary school years. 

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