Our Work & Programs
Right Now Needs Fund
The Right Now Needs Fund is an Alliance for Education program that works at the individual school level to support the immediate basic needs of Seattle students and families. When the basic needs of students are met, they are more likely to succeed within and beyond the classroom. The Fund covers the cost of clothing, meals and housing for students at all Seattle Public Schools, addressing student needs that are not otherwise funded in a school budget.
Seattle Teacher Residency
The Seattle Teacher Residency (STR) is a program of the Alliance and works in partnership with the University of Washington College of Education, Seattle Education Association, and Seattle Public Schools in order to recruit, diversify, prepare, and retain an excellent pipeline of teachers for students furthest from educational justice in SPS Title I elementary schools. The program trains educators to teach in culturally and linguistically diverse communities and supports them in securing teaching positions in SPS Title I schools. STR participants earn a Master in Teaching (MIT) degree from the University of Washington College of Education, and upon graduation, commit to teaching in a Seattle elementary or special education setting for five years.
School Fiscal Services
The Alliance serves as the fiscal sponsor for 175 PTAs, booster clubs and school community organizations across the city that raise funds on behalf of students and help bolster and maintain the quality of our schools. Providing school fiscal services allows school-serving organizations to focus their efforts and resources on fundraising, rather than administration and financial compliance.
Educator & School Awards
The Alliance administers awards that celebrate excellence and equity among school leaders, educators and staff. Annually, the Alliance distributes competitive, endowed awards which celebrate the dedication of Seattle Public Schools staff who foster welcoming, affirming, and high-achieving learning environments for students furthest from educational justice. The awards both spotlight excellence and innovation while expanding resources for students.
Philanthropic Convening for School District Priorities
The Alliance convenes philanthropic funders to invest in transformational initiatives aligned with district priorities to help build an equitable and excellent public education system for every student. In partnership with Seattle Public Schools and the broader Seattle philanthropic community, we bring regional resources together to support student learning through an aligned, holistic, and systemic approach. Most recent examples of this approach was fundraising to launch the Office of African American Achievement (AAMA) in Seattle Public Schools or design of the 2026-2030 SPS Strategic Plan. By working collaboratively and strategically we help accelerate meaningful, lasting gains for students.
Classroom Resource Fund
Every classroom should have access to high-quality resources for teachers and students. The Classroom Resource Fund can be used for a variety of projects and materials including, but not limited to books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, and lab materials. So far, the fund has provided Seattle educators with books and classroom materials that reflect, support and uplift their student’s diverse identities.
We Make an Impact for Seattle Students, Families & Educators
As the independent, local education fund supporting Seattle Public Schools since 1995, we address crucial challenges, big and small, facing Seattle students, families and educators. In the face of rising need and uncertainty, your gift helps safeguard and strengthen the future of our students and schools.