Masters of Scale Rapid Response: Fast pivots for changing needs w/DonorsChoose Charles Best
Apr 7, 2020
Charles Best, Founder and CEO of DonorsChoose, discusses the power of generosity in times of uncertainty. He shares insights from leading his nonprofit through major crises, including 9/11 and the pandemic. Best emphasizes the importance of listening to donors and grantees, showcasing how DonorsChoose quickly pivoted to meet evolving educational needs. He highlights community philanthropy's role in enhancing charitable giving, along with innovative employee benefits that foster a supportive work culture, proving that collective empathy drives positive change.
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9/11 and DonorsChoose
- After 9/11, teachers near Ground Zero used DonorsChoose for disaster recovery.
- Projects included replacing calculators, hosting speakers, and buying musical instruments for a performance thanking firemen.
Pandemic Inequality
- The pandemic threatens to worsen educational inequality, as low-income students lack home resources.
- Teachers understand students' needs and can use DonorsChoose to provide personalized support.
DonorsChoose Pivot
- DonorsChoose pivoted to meet urgent pandemic needs.
- They created an education-only gift card for teachers to instantly buy and ship essential supplies to students' homes.
