15 Companies that Donate to Schools and PTA/PTOs
Looking for book or computer donations, or hosting a fundraiser event soon? Here are 15 companies that will donate to schools and PTA/PTOs.
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.
What companies donate school supplies?
Mead Donation Request
Office & school supplies | 35 day notice
Mead produces quality office supplies targeted towards students, including folders, binders, notebooks, and planners.
Rocketbook Donation Request
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.
Chronicle Books Donation Request
Books | 501c3
Chronicle Books is an independent publisher based in San Francisco.
Staples Donation Request
Office & school supplies | 501c3
Staples, Inc. is an American multinational office supply retailing corporation. It currently comprises over 1,500 stores in North America.
BIC Donation Request
Office & school supplies | 501c3
Bic is a manufacturing company best known for its disposable consumer products such as mechanical pencils and pens.
What companies donate to schools for fundraising events?
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.
Grimaldi's Donation Request
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.
National Children's Museum Donation Request
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.
Mimi's Cafe Donation Request
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.
Cattlemens Donation Request
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.
Adler Planetarium Donation Request
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.
Pancheros Mexican Grill Donation Request
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.
Molly's Cupcakes Donation Request
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.
Squisito Pizza & Pasta Donation Request
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.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (Los Angeles) Donation Request
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.
Fat Witch Bakery Donation Request
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.
What companies do not donate to schools?
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.
What is DonorsChoose for teachers?
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.
How do I make monetary grant requests for schools?
There are many grant opportunities for educators to apply to. Here are a few:
- Association of American Educators Foundation Classroom Grant Application
- Learning & Leadership Grants - NEA Foundation
- Local Community Grants - Walmart See our article Walmart Donation Request for more information on their donation program.
For a list of other grants you can apply to, visit this site.
What restaurants host fundraisers to benefit schools?
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.
- Chipotle Click here for more information about their in-kind donation program.
- Hawkers Asian Street Food Click here for more information about their in-kind donation program.
- Panera Bread
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.
Visit TheShareWay site to sign up for free and view our database of over 800 donor companies!
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.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I request a donation for a school fundraiser?
Give at least a month of notice where you can. Among the donors on this list, Adler Planetarium asks for 28 days, Cattlemens 30 days, Mead 35 days, Pancheros Mexican Grill 42 days, Fat Witch Bakery 56 days and the National Children's Museum 60 days. Check each company's stated notice period before you set your own deadline for asks.
Does my school need 501c3 status to request donations?
Often yes. Most companies on this list, including Staples, BIC, Rocketbook, Chronicle Books, Grimaldi's, Mimi's Cafe, Cattlemens, Adler Planetarium, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and Fat Witch Bakery, are listed with a 501c3 requirement. A few, including Molly's Cupcakes, Squisito Pizza & Pasta and Pancheros Mexican Grill, are listed without one.
What can schools get donated for a raffle or auction?
Both classroom supplies and event items. Mead, Staples and BIC donate office and school supplies, Rocketbook donates digital notebooks and Chronicle Books donates books. For events, Grimaldi's donates gift cards and pizza, Adler Planetarium donates 4 guest passes, the National Children's Museum donates 4 admission tickets, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor donates 2 park tickets, and Pancheros Mexican Grill donates food and raffle items.
Where can I find more companies that donate to schools?
TheShareWay has a database of over 800 donor companies that you can search and apply to for free at theshareway.com/discover, and every company in this guide has its own donation request page there. Teachers who need funding rather than goods can also use DonorsChoose or AdoptAClassroom, which let public school teachers crowdfund specific classroom supplies.