Advocating for Your Budget: Tools Every Music Teacher Should Know

How to Get a Budget for Your Elementary Music Classroom (Even If You’re Starting with Nothing!)

If you’re an elementary music teacher struggling to get the materials you need—or starting your career with no budget in sight—this post is for you. We’ll explore why so many educators end up paying out of pocket, how to start advocating for yourself and your program, and the most effective tools (like DonorsChoose, GoFundMe, and more) to help you fund your classroom without draining your own bank account.

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Let’s Get Started

Teaching is one of the only professions where you’re expected to pay for the materials you need to do your job. Imagine asking a lawyer to bring their own printer, or a surgeon to show up without tools. No one would ask an electrician, firefighter, police officer, or chef to provide their own supplies—yet for teachers, this has become a norm. In fact, 94% of public school teachers say they pay out-of-pocket for classroom materials, with 30% of them spending over $1,000, especially in high-need areas. As educators, we must begin asking: “Would they expect this of any other professional?”

It’s time to reframe the way we view our roles—not as constant sacrifice, but as a profession that deserves fair treatment and resources. Yes, we love what we do. But loving your job doesn’t mean not getting paid fairly, working beyond your contract, or taking on additional roles without support. Especially for music educators and other specialists, who often teach the entire school, learn hundreds of names, and are the first to be used as substitutes when staff is short, the need for advocacy is even greater.

To start advocating, surround yourself with people who understand your experience—specials teachers, librarians, special educators, and even parents. These are the people who will help you stand up for your needs, support your goals, and often be the first to speak up when you’re not treated fairly. Over time, work with admin to create a real, sustainable budget for your classroom. Until that day comes, here are some powerful tools you can use to get the materials you need now:

DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose is one of the most trusted platforms for educators. You create a project listing specific materials, and donors (often total strangers or companies) help fund them. Once funded, materials are shipped directly to your school. I’ve personally used DonorsChoose to get a full set of ukuleles for my 5th graders—students were part of the process, made thank-you cards, and felt a deep sense of ownership over those instruments.

Pros:

  • Widely recognized and free to use

  • Corporate matches often available

  • 88% of U.S. schools have used it

  • Materials are shipped directly to you

Cons:

  • Must follow strict guidelines (materials only, not cash)

  • Time-limited campaigns

  • Requires promotion to succeed

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GoFundMe

GoFundMe allows you to raise cash directly, which you can use however you choose for your classroom. It’s more flexible than DonorsChoose, but requires you to promote your own campaign. It’s great for non-material needs, such as classroom experiences, trips, or general support.

Pros:

  • Funds go directly to you

  • You choose how the funds are used

  • Easy to share with friends, family, and community

  • Quick access to cash

Cons:

  • No tax deduction for donors

  • Less appealing to corporate sponsors

  • You must do all the promotion yourself

  • Processing fees may apply

Other Platforms to Explore

  • AdoptAClassroom.org – helps teachers get supplies with support from donors

  • Classful – a growing platform for teacher fundraising

  • TeacherFunder – a no-frills fundraising site geared toward teachers

Each platform comes with pros and cons, but all offer a way to gain resources without personal expense. Just be sure to clearly state your needs, follow platform rules, and always say thank you to donors.

PTA & School Fundraising Events

Your PTA or school’s parent association can be your biggest ally. Work with them to create concerts, carnivals, or community nights that double as fundraisers. These events not only bring in funds but also build connection with families and administrators. Be realistic, though—these events are time-consuming and depend on turnout and school support.

Grants & Scholarships

Applying for educational grants is another way to secure big-ticket items. Some schools even have a grant-writing coordinator who can help. This route can fund everything from instruments to technology—but it’s not always easy.

Pros:

  • Can fund large projects or classroom upgrades

  • Recognition and support from educational organizations

Cons:

  • Highly competitive and time-intensive

  • May require follow-ups, reports, or evaluations

Final Thoughts~

At the end of the day, teaching is a job—a beautiful, creative, fulfilling job—but a job nonetheless. And every job requires the proper tools. Until the world catches up and begins fully supporting educators, it’s important we know how to advocate for ourselves, build alliances, and use the tools available to ensure our classrooms are fully equipped.

Because your work matters—and you shouldn’t have to pay to prove it.

Happy playing,

Leanna O’Brien
Founder of The Soaring Scarves Academy

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