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Ways to support teachers and students in need during Back to School

Back to school season is upon us, which can cause a ton of stress for both teachers and families alike.

If you’re a teacher and trying to find ways to get classroom supplies support, I’ve put together a list of organizations that you can utilize. If you’re looking to support students-in-need or your local school, there’s options for you too.

I checked each organization on Charity Navigator to ensure they were reputable. Hope you find them helpful!

Teacher Support:

Donors Choose: Rated 100% on Charity Navigator. Teachers can set up lists for needed classroom or project supplies to share with their community or be funded through their network of donors. If you were setting up Amazon lists for things you need but want to avoid Amazon, this could be a good alternative option.
- Not a teacher? You can also search for your local school to support their needs.
Adopt A Classroom: Rated 100% on Charity Navigator. Teachers can set up a Adopt A Classroom account, which then can be funded through their community, individual donations from their network or their corporate supporters. Once funds are in your account, you can use them to purchase products through the Adopt A Classroom marketplace. The benefit of Adopt A Classroom is that you don’t have to have a pre-planned list of supplies or needs.
- Not a teacher? Support your local school by using their search tool.
Kids in Need Foundation: Rated 95% on Charity Navigator. If you are a teacher in a school where at least 50% of students are eligible for the National School Lunch Program, you can apply for a teacher supply box. They also have a National Network of Resource Centers where teachers can pick up supplies for free, and Retail Pick-Up programs.
- Want to support students? KINF has a variety of resources for students in need.
NAEIR: Rated 92% on Charity Navigator. Teachers can source supplies using NAEIR’s program. While you still have to pay for the supplies, according to NAEIR the supplies offered are usually less than a third of what you would pay even in a discount store. If you’re looking for truly low-cost supplies, this may be a fit for you.
The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation: Rated 100% on Charity Navigator. The Mr. Holland’s Opus foundation is focused on supporting music and arts in education and offers instrument grants to low-income schools.

Support Students:

Operation Backpack by Volunteers of America: Charity Navigator broke out Volunteers of America by the state or city organization, but from scrolling through it looks like most or all of the local branches are rated at least 90% or above. Operation Backpack gives backpack and other school supplies to children experiencing homelessness, economic insecurity or otherwise difficult circumstances. You can find ways to support by state, though it looks like they don’t have options in all 50 states.
Back 2 School America: Rated 97% on Charity Navigator. Back 2 School America provides school supplies for teachers and students in need. You can donate in general or support a back to school kit for students or teachers. However, they do not have local school supply lists or ways to donate directly.