These days, education fundraising isn't limited to school bake sales and silent auctions. Online fundraising campaigns have gained popularity among educators and students alike as a means to make classroom dreams realities.

Take, for example, Reading Rainbow host Levar Burton, who raised over $5 million on crowdfunding site Kickstarter, to bring the beloved show back to life in digital form. In a matter of hours, the campaign had reached its initial $1 million goal. Due to its success, the Reading Rainbow app will now expand from iOS to the Web, Android, and gaming consoles for universal access, and will also be able to develop a classroom version, which will be available without subscription fee for up to 7,500 low-income classrooms.

So you missed the chance to donate to the Reading Rainbow project, but still want to give a little to a cool education initiative? Look no further, as we've compiled a list of 5 awesome projects currently seeking funding. Have fun giving! 

But I'm (Not) a Girl! Gender fun for kids

Goal dollar amount: $3,000

Amount raised thus far: $821

Number of backers: 40

The project will only get money if it reaches its goal by: Tuesday, July 22, 2014

What the project will do: This project will bring to life a short children's book about bathrooms, dresses, camouflage, gender roles, and how we really know if someone is a girl. The book, which aims to tear down gender boundaries for kids, will be set to print on demand and be sold in major venues such as Amazon and local book stores. 

Why Education Dive recommends the project: This project dares to do something new and provides a much needed resource for parents and educators attempting to address gender issues and stereotypes.  

Leadership Education & Arts Program (LEAP) Showcase

Goal dollar amount: $5,000

Amount raised thus far: $1

Number of backers: 1

The project will only get money if it reaches its goal by: Tuesday, August 12, 2014

What the project will do: LEAP supports creative young people who may not have the financial stability to pursue studies in the performing arts.  The money raised will go to the LEAP Young Leaders Initiative which is an all-expenses paid, three-day overnight retreat for high school students whose interests fall in these areas. Retreat workshops include lessons in theater, voice, instrumental music, and dance —​ all while pushing leadership skills within students.  

Why Education Dive recommends the project: Time and again, we hear about the importance of arts education in schools. But just as often, we hear about funding cuts and a lack of opportunities. LEAP not only gives students chances to experiment with the arts, but its curriculum is founded in a desire to simultaneously boost confidence and leadership — all desirable traits.

Play & Learn Cafe, an educational indoor playground for kids

Goal dollar amount: $15,000

Amount raised thus far: $8,893

Number of backers: 65

The project will only get money if it reaches its goal by: Friday, July 25, 2014

What the project will do: The goal of this project is to open a modern indoor playground, education center, and restaurant for children ages 6 and younger in Grand Valley, MN. Money raised will go toward toys and equipment at the playground.  

Why Education Dive recommends the project: As Sarah Bakkum, the mother behind the project, explains, " It’s a place where parents can take comfort, knowing their child is playing in a safe place while they relax for a few moments. It’s a place to meet with friends over a good cup of coffee or lunch. It's a place where parents can take a class, or relax while their child takes a class."  What we at Education Dive like about this project is that it latches on to the current enthusiasm surrounding early education. Enriching classes for pre-K children, healthy food options for mom and child, and fun games — sounds awesome.  

Learnt Podcast Season 2

Goal dollar amount: $400

Amount raised thus far: $125

Number of backers: 6

The project will only get money if it reaches its goal by: Wednesday, August 27 2014

What the project will do: Learnt is a podcast where educators interview other educators, zeroing in on the human side of education. Learnt's first season premiered July 2014 and will run through September. The money raised in this campaign will fund a second season of the program, for which creator Josh Conner hopes to purchase nicer equipment and better marketing for the show.

Why Education Dive recommends the project: At the end of the day, Conner has it right — teachers, administrators, and staff are all human beings. So much about education seems to be focused on the products and technology, while the people putting them to work aren't acknowledged. Giving educators a mouthpiece ensures their voices get heard.

Ping the Spider

Goal dollar amount: $25,000

Amount raised thus far: $330

Number of backers: 11

The project will only get money if it reaches its goal by: Tuesday, July 29, 2014

What the project will do: This project will bring to life a range of books/ebooks, toys, online games, and applications based around Ping the Spider, a character overcoming his learning disability. The products are created specifically for students with a range of learning disabilities, but all of whom are hopefully able to relate to Ping. According to the campaign's page, "The key strength of the Ping the Spider project is the specific focus on empowering children with difficulties and the use of innovative technology in combination with proven learning techniques." 

Why Education Dive recommends the project: We appreciate the scope and ambition of this project and its approach to normalizing learning disabilities. While individualized learning is often pushed into classrooms, there are not enough products sporting character and issues reflected in these individualized situations.