DonorsChoose Matching Funds

Through a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Boone County, ZEF provides matching funds to ZCS educators raising funds for an educational project through DonorsChoose.org. This program gives ZCS teachers an additional boost to their classroom projects by matching donations from their personal networks.

Geographic Scope: Zionsville Community Schools (ZCS), Zionsville, Indiana

Eligibility:

• ZCS educators (teachers)
• Projects posted on DonorsChoose.org
• Projects must have educational purpose

Focus Areas:

• Educational materials and resources
• Classroom supplies
• Equipment for student learning
• Based on DonorsChoose-approved project types

Award Information:

• Maximum $250 per DonorsChoose project
• For projects $500 or less: ZEF funds the second half
• For projects over $500: ZEF funds the last $250
• Funding based on project cost minus optional DonorsChoose donations

Application Process:

• Teachers create project on DonorsChoose.org first
• Once project becomes eligible for ZEF matching, email ZEF office
• Rolling basis - applications accepted throughout the year

What ZEF Does NOT Fund:

• See DonorsChoose Guidelines for ineligible project types

Contact:

• Phone: 317.733.4805
• Address: 900 North Mulberry Street, Zionsville, IN 46077

Background:

• Funded through Community Foundation of Boone County partnership
• Supplements teacher fundraising efforts on DonorsChoose platform

How to Apply for DonorsChoose Matching Funds

1. Review Guidelines
   • Download and read the DonorsChoose Guidelines
   • Verify your project type is eligible for ZEF matching funds
   • Understand which projects are NOT eligible
2. Create DonorsChoose Project
   • Go to DonorsChoose.org
   • Click the "Get Started" button for teachers
   • Set up a teacher account
   • Follow DonorsChoose instructions to create and post a fundraising project
   • Ensure project has a clear educational purpose
   • Tap into your own network of potential donors
3. Let Project Gain Funding
   • Allow time for initial donations through your personal network
   • Monitor project progress
4. Request ZEF Matching Funds
   • When your project becomes eligible for ZEF matching funds, email: ZEF@zcs.k12.in.us
   • Include project details and current funding status
   • ZEF will review for eligibility and fund accordingly
5. Funding Calculation
   • For projects $500 or less: ZEF funds the second half of the project cost
   • For projects over $500: ZEF funds the last $250 of the project cost
   • All calculations based on project cost minus optional DonorsChoose donations

Important Notes

• Applications accepted on rolling basis throughout the year
• No fixed deadline
• Contact ZEF at zef@zcs.k12.in.us or 317.733.4805 for questions about project eligibility
• Get Grant Writing Tips available on the website