Teachers in Los Angeles spend an average of $500 to $700 of their own money on classroom supplies each year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That number climbs higher for special education teachers who purchase sensory tools, adaptive equipment, and specialized learning materials.
Corporate donation programs exist specifically to offset these costs. This guide covers 20 companies that donate to teachers and classrooms in Los Angeles, from national retailers to local businesses, along with step-by-step instructions for requesting support.
Why companies donate to teachers and classrooms
Major corporations and national retailers donate money, supplies, and grants directly to teachers and classrooms across Los Angeles. Companies like Office Depot, Walmart, Verizon, and State Farm run formal giving programs that fund everything from pencils to Chromebooks. The reasons are straightforward: donations to schools are tax-deductible, and community giving builds goodwill in local markets.
For teachers, this translates into real opportunities. If you’re spending your own money on classroom supplies (and most teachers are), corporate donation programs can offset that cost. The process takes some effort, but the payoff is worth it, especially for educators working with children who have specialized learning needs.
National retailers that donate school supplies to teachers
Retail chains with physical stores tend to have the most accessible donation programs. Local store managers often have authority to approve smaller requests on the spot, while corporate foundations handle larger grants through formal applications.
Office Depot and OfficeMax
Office Depot runs a “Give Back to Schools” program that converts 5% of qualifying purchases into store credits for your classroom. The company also distributes supply backpacks and teacher appreciation gifts through their “Start Proud!” initiative each fall. You can submit donation requests through the Office Depot community giving portal, and approval typically takes two to four weeks.
Staples
The Staples Foundation awards classroom grants and coordinates back-to-school supply drives through local stores. Teachers can request in-kind donations of paper, writing supplies, and organizational materials. The foundation prioritizes schools in underserved communities, so Los Angeles Title I schools often qualify.
Target
Target Circle, the retailer’s community giving program, lets shoppers direct a portion of their purchases to local schools. Schools register through Target’s online portal, and teachers can encourage families to select their school as a beneficiary. Target has historically supported education initiatives in Los Angeles County through both cash grants and volunteer hours.
Walmart
The Walmart Foundation offers local community grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 through its Spark Good program. Public, private, and charter schools can apply online. Individual Walmart stores also accept donation requests for smaller needs, and store managers can approve these without waiting for corporate approval.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s Cares directs proceeds from specific merchandise sales to children’s health and education programs. Schools can request merchandise donations for fundraisers through Kohl’s community relations team. The program is particularly active during back-to-school season.
The Home Depot
Team Depot, the company’s volunteer program, supports school improvement projects with both labor and materials. This is especially relevant for classrooms that need physical modifications, such as sensory-friendly spaces or accessible furniture for children with mobility challenges. Teachers can submit project requests through The Home Depot Foundation website.
Tech companies that donate to teachers and classrooms
Technology donations can change how children learn, particularly for students with developmental differences who benefit from adaptive software and assistive devices.
| Company | What they donate | Best for |
| Microsoft | Software licenses, Surface devices | General classrooms, assistive technology |
| Google for Education | Chromebooks, Google Workspace | Digital learning, communication apps |
| Adobe | Creative Cloud access | Art, media, and design classes |
| Verizon | Devices, internet connectivity | Under-resourced schools |
Microsoft
Microsoft Philanthropies provides free Office 365 licenses to qualifying schools and educators. The company also donates Surface devices through education grants and partners with nonprofits to distribute refurbished computers. For special education classrooms, Microsoft’s accessibility tools (Immersive Reader, Dictation) come built into the software at no extra cost.
Google for Education
Google donates Chromebooks to schools through various grant programs and provides Google Workspace for Education free to qualifying institutions. The tools include accessibility features like voice typing and screen readers that support students with learning differences.
Adobe
Adobe offers free Creative Cloud access to qualifying K–12 schools. Art teachers and media specialists can apply through Adobe’s education portal.
Verizon Innovative Learning
Verizon’s program provides free devices and internet access to Title I schools. The initiative focuses on underserved communities and has active partnerships with Los Angeles Unified School District schools. Teachers at qualifying schools can access technology training alongside the hardware donations.
Los Angeles businesses that donate to local teachers and schools
Regional companies often have giving programs specifically for Los Angeles County schools. These local connections can make the application process more personal and responsive than national programs.
Wells Fargo Los Angeles
Wells Fargo’s regional foundation awards community grants to Los Angeles schools and nonprofits. Teachers can apply through their school’s administration, and grants typically support literacy programs, financial education, and STEM initiatives.
U.S. Bank
The Community Possible program funds education initiatives in Los Angeles. U.S. Bank prioritizes grants that support workforce readiness and early childhood education, making it a good fit for schools serving young children with developmental needs.
Edison International
Edison International’s STEM education grants target Southern California schools specifically. The company funds science and math resources, lab equipment, and teacher training. Applications open annually, usually in early fall.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s neighborhood donation program allows teachers to request healthy snacks and supplies for their classrooms. Requests go through local store managers, who have discretion to approve donations for nearby schools. This informal process often yields quick results.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods community giving programs operate at the regional level. Los Angeles teachers can contact their nearest store’s community relations coordinator to request food donations for classroom events or nutrition education programs.
Companies that donate to special education teachers and classrooms
Special education classrooms often require materials that general donation programs overlook: sensory tools, adaptive equipment, and specialized learning aids. A few companies focus specifically on these needs.
Lakeshore Learning
Lakeshore Learning, headquartered in Carson, California, manufactures educational materials including a dedicated special education product line. Teachers can submit donation requests through their community giving program. The company prioritizes sensory materials, adaptive seating, and fine motor skill tools.
Melissa and Doug
The toy company donates developmental toys and learning materials to schools and nonprofits. Their products include items suitable for children with special needs, such as tactile puzzles and cause-and-effect toys that support early intervention goals.
Barnes and Noble
Barnes and Noble’s literacy grants fund classroom libraries, including books featuring characters with disabilities and inclusive narratives. Teachers can apply through their school or partner with local stores during book fair fundraisers.
Crayola
Crayola donates classroom art supplies through partnerships with organizations like NAEIR (National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources). The company also produces adaptive art supplies designed for children with different grip strengths and motor abilities.
How to request a donation from a company as a teacher
The process for requesting corporate donations follows a predictable pattern. Knowing what to prepare in advance saves time and increases your chances of approval.
Step 1. Confirm the company accepts classroom donation requests
Visit the company’s website and search for “community giving,” “donations,” or “corporate responsibility.” Check application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and whether they accept requests from individual teachers or only through school administration.
Step 2. Gather your classroom documentation
Most companies require a few standard items:
- School tax ID or EIN: Your school office can provide this
- Principal approval letter: Some companies require written authorization
- Description of student population: Include the number of students served and any relevant demographics
- Specific item wish list: Be precise about what you need and why
Step 3. Write a personalized donation request letter
Generic requests get generic responses. Describe the specific need, the number of students who will benefit, and how the donated items will be used. For special education classrooms, explain the particular challenges your students face and how the materials will help.
Step 4. Follow up within two weeks
Companies receive many requests. A polite follow-up email or phone call can move your request forward. For retail chains, calling the local store manager directly often produces faster results than waiting for corporate approval.
Step 5. Send a thank you and impact report
After receiving a donation, send a thank-you note and, if possible, photos showing the materials in use (with appropriate permissions). Companies that see their donations making a difference are more likely to give again.
Platforms that connect teachers with corporate donors
Instead of contacting companies individually, teachers can register on platforms that match classroom needs with donors. These services simplify the process and often attract corporate sponsors looking for verified giving opportunities.
DonorsChoose
DonorsChoose is the largest crowdfunding platform for classroom projects. Teachers create specific project requests, donors fund them, and supplies ship directly to the school. Corporate partners like CVS and Chevron frequently match donations or fully fund projects in their target communities.
AdoptAClassroom
AdoptAClassroom connects teachers with individual and corporate sponsors who fund classroom needs through an online credit system. Teachers receive credits to spend on approved supplies. Corporate partners include Burlington Stores, RHP Properties, and Eaton Corporation.
PledgeCents
PledgeCents offers crowdfunding for educators with lower platform fees than some competitors. Teachers can create campaigns for specific needs and share them with their networks.
GoFundMe for Classrooms
GoFundMe works for larger or more unusual classroom needs that don’t fit neatly into education-specific platforms. The platform charges fees, so it’s best suited for substantial projects where the flexibility outweighs the cost.
How Cara Mia Kids supports Los Angeles teachers of children with special needs
Teachers working with children who have developmental delays often see needs that extend beyond the classroom. A child might qualify for speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy but face barriers to accessing care outside of school hours.
Cara Mia Kids Foundation works alongside Los Angeles educators by providing therapy support, family assistance, and early intervention resources for children with special needs. When a teacher notices a child struggling with developmental milestones, they can refer families to Cara Mia Kids for help accessing services regardless of financial circumstances.
The foundation directs 94 cents of every donated dollar to children’s services, including therapy access, adaptive equipment, and family support programs. Teachers who want to connect families with resources or learn more about partnership opportunities can reach out directly.
Read More to learn how Cara Mia Kids helps families access the care their children need.
Frequently asked questions about companies that donate to teachers
What companies send free supplies and materials to teachers?
Office Depot, Staples, Lakeshore Learning, and Crayola all offer free supplies to teachers through their community giving programs. Contact local stores directly or visit company websites to find application instructions.
Does Amazon donate to schools and classrooms?
Amazon Smile, which donated a percentage of purchases to charities, was discontinued in 2023. Amazon still operates the Amazon Future Engineer program for computer science education and allows teachers to create public wish lists that donors can fulfill.
Can private school teachers and homeschool educators request corporate donations?
Many corporate programs require 501(c)(3) status or public school affiliation. However, platforms like DonorsChoose accept requests from teachers at any accredited school, and some companies evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis. Check individual program requirements before applying.
What is the fastest way to get classroom supplies donated?
Local store managers at retail chains like Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Office Depot often have authority to approve small donations immediately. Walk in with a specific request and your school’s information. For larger needs, DonorsChoose projects can fund quickly when shared on social media.
Do companies receive tax benefits for donating to teachers and schools?
Yes. Donations to public schools and 501(c)(3) private schools are tax-deductible, which is one reason companies maintain formal giving programs. When requesting donations, provide your school’s tax ID to make the process easier for the company’s accounting department.