# Charles Best

> Charles Best founded DonorsChoose in 2000 while teaching at Wings Academy in the Bronx. He led the classroom crowdfunding nonprofit until 2022 and now serves as CEO of Lakeshore Learning Materials, continuing his work on resources for teachers and students.

- **Role:** CEO at Lakeshore Learning Materials; Founder and board member at DonorsChoose
- **Organizations:** DonorsChoose, Lakeshore Learning Materials, Wings Academy, Irregardless
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree, Yale University
- **Known for:** Founded a classroom crowdfunding nonprofit in 2000., At his April 2021 succession announcement, DonorsChoose reported 4.7 million contributors, more than $1 billion given and nearly 2 million teacher requests supported., Elected an Ashoka Fellow in 2006.

## Career timeline

- **1998** — Graduated from Yale after participating in teacher preparation.
- **2000** — Founded DonorsChoose while teaching at Wings Academy in the Bronx.
- **2004** — After five years teaching, moved to running DonorsChoose full time.
- **2006** — Elected an Ashoka Fellow.
- **2014** — Irregardless writing guide featured by contributor Carl Zimmer.
- **2019** — Named a Yale-Jefferson Award recipient for public service.
- **2021** — Announced plans to hand the DonorsChoose CEO role to a successor.
- **2022** — Alix Guerrier succeeded him as DonorsChoose CEO; Best transitioned to the board.
- **2023** — Joined Lakeshore Learning, initially as co-CEO alongside Bo Kaplan, and announced his move to Los Angeles.

## Achievements

- Founded a classroom crowdfunding nonprofit in 2000.
- At his April 2021 succession announcement, DonorsChoose reported 4.7 million contributors, more than $1 billion given and nearly 2 million teacher requests supported.
- Elected an Ashoka Fellow in 2006.
- Received a Yale-Jefferson Award for public service in 2019.

## Latest updates

- **2026-05** — Appeared in a DonorsChoose tribute to Stephen Colbert, including recognition of DonorsChoose gift cards given to Late Show guests.
- **2024-10** — Accepted a Rural Investor Award on behalf of Lakeshore Learning in Utah, connected to a planned Garland distribution facility.

## Links

- Website: https://www.donorschoose.org/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesdbest
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/CharlesBest

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/charles-best
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22