8 Inspiring School Supply Donation Programs

A pencil might seem small, but for a student without one, it can be the difference between participating in class and feeling left out. Across the country, many children start the school year without the necessary supplies, and nonprofit organizations are stepping up to change that. 

School Supply Donation Programs, which provide free school supplies for nonprofit organizations, are making it easier to get these tools into the hands of students who need them most.

But these programs are about more than just supplies. They’re about building confidence, creating opportunities, and showing kids that their community cares about their future. 

This blog will highlight some of the most inspiring school supply donation programs and show how they make education more accessible and meaningful for students everywhere.

1. Kids In Need Foundation

The Kids In Need Foundation (KINF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every child in underserved communities has access to essential school supplies. 

Founded in 1995, KINF works with schools where a significant number of students qualify for free or reduced-cost meals. By partnering with resource centers, donors, and corporate sponsors, KINF ensures that students and teachers are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom. 

Their programs help teachers focus on teaching, and students focus on learning, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Unique Approach

• Runs the Supply A Teacher program, providing boxes of supplies directly to teachers to stock their classrooms.
• Operates the Second Responder® program, which delivers school supplies to students and teachers impacted by natural disasters.
• Focuses on schools where at least 70% of students qualify for free or reduced-cost meals, ensuring support goes to those who need it most.

Impact

• Working with its National Network of Resource Centers, KINF supports 21,369 students daily.
• Distribute over $143 million in free school supplies for nonprofit organizations each year.
• KINF aims to support 10 million students, 500,000 teachers, and distribute $520 million worth of products annually by 2025.

2. AdoptAClassroom.org

AdoptAClassroom.org is a national nonprofit that helps teachers and schools across the U.S. get the supplies they need. 

Founded in 1998, it connects donors with educators to provide funding for classroom materials. Teachers can create profiles on the platform, sharing their classroom needs, and donors can choose to support them directly. 

This approach ensures that donations go where they are needed most and help improve students' education nationwide.

Unique Approach

• Donors can give directly to specific teachers or schools, ensuring funds reach the intended classroom.
• Teachers have the freedom to choose and purchase the supplies that best meet their students' needs.
• The organization offers targeted funds for specific needs, such as STEM resources or Disaster Relief.

Impact

• Since its inception, AdoptAClassroom.org has raised over $65 million, supporting more than 6.4 million students across the U.S.
• The organization provides the necessary supplies to help reduce the financial burden on teachers who often spend their own money on classroom materials. 
• Their efforts contribute to advancing equity in education, ensuring all students have access to the tools they need to succeed. 

Looking for unique ways to make a difference this school year? Check out 15 Creative Back to School Giveaway Ideas for Nonprofits and start inspiring your community today!

3. DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose school supply donation drive connects public school teachers in the United States with donors who want to support classroom projects. 

Founded in 2000 by Charles Best, a teacher in the Bronx, the platform allows educators to request funding for specific materials or experiences for their students. Donors can browse these requests and contribute to projects that resonate with them. 

This direct connection ensures that teachers receive the resources they need to enhance their classrooms and provide their students with the best educational experiences.

Unique Approach

• Educators identify their classroom needs to ensure funding addresses specific challenges and opportunities.
• Donors choose projects that align with their interests, creating a personal connection to the classroom they support.
• Donors receive updates, including photos and thank-you notes, showing how their contributions have been utilized.

Impact

• As of June 2024, DonorsChoose has funded over 2.95 million projects, benefiting more than 889,000 teachers and reaching students in 88% of U.S. public schools.
• The organization has raised over $1.64 billion to provide essential resources that enhance student learning experiences.
• Access to requested materials has been linked to improved student engagement and achievement, as well as increased teacher retention and satisfaction.

4. Operation Backpack by Volunteers of America

Operation Backpack is another school supply donation drive organized by Volunteers of America (VOA). Its goal is to provide new backpacks filled with grade-specific school supplies to children experiencing homelessness and poverty. 

Since its inception in 2003, the program has expanded to various regions across the United States. It aims to equip students with the necessary tools to succeed academically. 

Operation Backpack helps these children start the school year on equal footing by ensuring they receive their supplies before the school year begins.

Unique Approach

• VOA ensures that the backpacks are high quality and free of any markings that might identify them as donations.

The program mobilizes local communities, businesses, and volunteers to participate in the school supply donation drive.

• Backpacks are distributed before the first day of school, ensuring children are prepared from day one.

Impact

• In 2024, VOA distributed close to 45,000 backpacks nationwide.
• Providing essential supplies contributes to higher homework completion rates, class participation, and graduation.
• By supporting the education of children facing homelessness, Operation Backpack plays a role in breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

5. Back 2 School America

Back 2 School America (B2SA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free school supplies to children from low-income families across the United States. 

Established in 2010, B2SA's mission is to ensure that every child has the necessary tools to succeed academically, regardless of financial circumstances. 

By partnering with community organizations, government agencies, and corporate sponsors, B2SA organizes school supply donation drives and other initiatives to support educational success for needy children.

Unique Approach

• B2SA engages companies and volunteers in assembling school supply kits through team-building events.
• This initiative recognizes the critical role of educators, provides support and resources to teachers, acknowledges their efforts, and helps to retain quality professionals in the education system.
• Each school supply kit includes personalized messages to encourage and motivate students.

Impact

• B2SA has distributed over 12 million school supplies to more than 400,000 children across the United States
• Through partnerships and volunteer programs, B2SA has mobilized thousands of individuals and organizations to participate in school supply donation drives.
• B2SA helps improve student engagement, academic performance, and self-confidence by providing essential supplies.

6. Crayons to Computers

Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Crayons to Computers provides free school supplies to teachers and students in need. 

Established in 1997, it operates a "Teacher Free Store" where educators from eligible schools can shop for classroom materials at no cost. The organization serves schools in the Greater Cincinnati area, focusing on those with high percentages of students enrolled in free or reduced-price lunch programs. 

By distributing essential supplies, Crayons to Computers aims to level the educational playing field, ensuring all students have the tools necessary for academic success.

Unique Approach

• A retail-like space where teachers can select items that best meet their classroom needs.
• A collaboration with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, where inmates create educational tools from donated materials.
• Delivers supplies directly to schools facing geographic or time constraints.

Impact

• Over $6.6 million worth of free school supplies were distributed during the 2023–24 school year.
• The organization serves over 400 schools in the Cincinnati area.
• Through programs like Push for Pencils and Keep Our Kids Warm, Crayons to Computers mobilizes community members to contribute to school supply donation drives.

7. Schoolhouse Supplies

Schoolhouse Supplies, located in Portland, Oregon, is committed to bridging the gap in educational resources. Since 1999, it has been providing free school supplies for nonprofit organizations, teachers, and students in underfunded schools. 

By working with businesses and the community, the organization ensures students have the tools to succeed, regardless of their circumstances. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone for supporting education in the region.

Unique Approach

• A volunteer-run store where educators can "shop" for classroom supplies at no cost.
• Collaborates with local businesses and individuals to host supply drives, sponsor programs, and involve employees as volunteers.
• It accepts donations of new and gently used office supplies, as well as surplus and reclaimed products, promoting sustainability by keeping supplies out of the waste stream.

Impact

• Over $35 million in free school supplies have been distributed since inception.
• It provides essential resources that enable teachers to create more equitable learning environments, increase lesson engagement, and reduce personal financial burdens associated with purchasing classroom supplies.
• Access to necessary supplies has been linked to increased student preparedness, participation, 

8. Operation Back To School Backpack by The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army's Operation Back to School Backpack program is a nationwide initiative that provides free school supplies to children from low-income families. 

By distributing backpacks filled with essential items, the program ensures that students start the school year equipped and ready to learn. Through partnerships with local businesses and community members, The Salvation Army organizes school supply donation drives to gather materials. 

These efforts help alleviate the financial burden on families and support children's educational success.

Unique Approach

• The program engages local businesses, volunteers, and donors to host school supply donation drives.
• Backpacks are filled with grade-specific supplies to meet the unique needs of students at different educational levels.
• Many distribution events offer additional services such as haircuts, health screenings, and family activities, addressing broader needs beyond school supplies.

Impact

• Since its inception in 1998, the program has distributed over 240,000 backpacks to children in need.
• The program helps students feel prepared and confident by providing essential supplies.
• The initiative mobilizes community resources and volunteers, strengthening local support networks and creating a culture of giving and solidarity. 

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