Like many in my social communities, I have long been accustomed to making donations to the educational institutions that are closest to me: my high school, college and business school; school-related programs in my neighborhood; even events at my daughter's daycare (it starts early :)). There are tangible benefits to supporting the people, communities and institutions that we already know and love, and we all want to help our own children to have the same or better opportunities as were available to us. Plus, its easy: these institutions also often have well-structured charitable programs, reaching out to us regularly and ensuring we have good reason to give our support.

But most of our country's children are outside of this virtuous donation cycle. Their local communities do not have the income to donate substantially (if at all) to local schools, support incremental projects and programs, etc. The schools themselves do not have the infrastructure to stand-up charitable outreach programs. They often operate on lower government funding to begin with, due to less tax income in the district.

And the public elementary school system is the foundation, the launching point for the rest of life, for so many American children. Its where the tools to a life of happiness, health and success are developed: critical thinking, problem-solving, social skills, discipline and time-management, the relationship between hard work and achievement... the list is never-ending. Schools are where children spend the majority of their waking weekday hours. They provide a reliable place of security and safety. They allow parents to work and provide for their children in the first place.

For all of the under-funded elementary schools around the country, imagine how much impact even a small amount of incremental annual budget could generate. Better after-school programs that keep children learning, growing and developing. Better resources and support for the teachers, so they can provide the best learning experience possible. Healthier food options to promote better focus at school and long-term health. 

Incremental positive change at these younger ages compounds over the decades to come. 

There are few more impactful ways to dramatically improve American lives, and the long-term prosperity of our country as a whole, than by directly supporting the elementary schools that are in greatest need.

If you're reading this and have the financial flexibility to make donations, I encourage you to continue to support the communities and educations that are closest to you. I applaud you for giving your hard-earned money to whatever cause you find impactful and important.

But I also ask that you consider giving to support kids you'll never know, in communities you'll never visit, for benefits that you'll never see or feel.