FAQ

What is CANSSPA?

The Central & North Seattle Schools PTA Alliance (CANSSPA) is a network of volunteers who are collectively working toward equity for all students in the Seattle School District. CANSSPA consists of over 15 elementary and K-8 schools in SPS districts 1-5 (north of I-90).

Our mission is to advocate for all children to receive adequate and equitable education through a model of network building, resource sharing, and collective advocacy. 

We take inspiration from and strive to work together with the West Seattle Public Schools Equity Fund and Southeast Seattle Schools Fundraising Alliance (SESSFA).

How many schools are participating in CANSSPA?

As of the 2024-2025 school year, CANSSPA has 17 member schools. Our list of current member schools can be found here. Currently, membership is limited to elementary and K-8 schools, but we are discussing inviting middle schools as well.

Why can’t PTAs donate directly to other schools instead of fundshifting?

While individual PTAs can donate to other schools directly, CANSSPA provides an equity-based framework to ensure funds are distributed fairly. Our model:

• Helps schools self-identify as donor/recipient based on need

• Uses a funding formula to allocate resources equitably

• Coordinates shared resources beyond just monetary donations–including volunteer support and advocacy

• Raises awareness about systemic funding inequities and advocates at the state and district level for increased funding for ALL schools.

By working together, we foster solidarity and amplify our collective impact.

How are recipient schools determined?

CANSSPA recognizes that all schools have both resources and needs, and we honor whatever ways schools choose to participate—whether as donors or recipients. Schools identify themselves as recipients or donors, and if guidance is needed, we are happy to help assess their resources and needs in comparison to others and make an appropriate recommendation.

Our funding formula prioritizes schools with the highest numbers of students furthest from educational justice, ensuring that the least-resourced schools receive the greatest share of support. Recipient schools typically have more limited fundraising capacity, serve higher percentages of low-income students and English language learners, and tend to have lower proficiency test scores. Comparative data can be found on OSPI.

There is no strict dollar amount or formula for determining recipient schools, as needs vary widely. If you're unsure whether your school should be a recipient, please reach out—we’re happy to help.

How can the recipient school use the funds?

Recipient schools can use the funds where they are most needed. Each recipient school’s PTA receives a check from CANSSPA and integrates it into their budget.

Examples of past uses include:

• Supporting training opportunities for educators

• Providing gift cards to families in need for basic necessities

• Providing classroom supplies and technology

How much money does each recipient school receive?

CANSSPA uses a funding formula similar to SESSFA to ensure equitable distribution of funds based on demographic data, prioritizing students historically furthest from educational equity. One point is assigned to each student in each of these demographic groups, then summed, and divided by the total points for all recipient schools to determine the proportion of funds to be distributed to that school. Currently, we distribute funds half equally, and half equitably, following our funding formula.

Do you disburse funds beyond the bounds of CANSSPA?

At this time, no. We are very aware of the differential resources available to public school students across the city, and our long term vision is to work toward equitable sharing of resources across Seattle. We are still a small organization which has room to grow within our boundaries. However, as part of our outreach efforts to schools and families, CANSSPA will continue to promote other organizations dedicated to public school equity–including but not limited to SESSFA, West Seattle Public Schools Equity Fund, and/or the Right Now Needs Fund. Our decision to give beyond our borders will be reassessed regularly and carefully. Also, CANSSPA coordinates with other Seattle fundshifting organizations to raise funds, e.g., through the annual Mother’s Day Flower Sale. 

What happens if you raise more funds than can be realistically disbursed to CANSSPA recipient schools?

This would be a great problem to have! If CANSSPA’s fundraising efforts become so successful that recipient schools cannot use the funds in an equitable way, then we will develop an overflow policy where other recipients will be identified.

How are you affiliated with other organizations like the Seattle Council PTSA, individual school PTAs, SESSFA, the West Seattle Public School Equity Fund, and/or the Alliance for Education?

CANSSPA is a separate entity but collaborates with:

• SESSFA (Southeast Seattle Schools Fundraising Alliance) and the West Seattle Public Schools Equity Fund, which operate similar equity-based funding models.

• The Southeast Seattle Education Coalition, which oversee city-wide fundraising events like the Mother’s Day Flower Sale.

• The Alliance for Education, which serves as our financial custodian.

• Seattle Council PTSA, which supports advocacy efforts at the city-wide level.

• Individual school PTAs, which voluntarily participate as member schools.

How much of the money given to CANSSPA goes directly to recipient schools?

All donations, minus a 6% administrative fee charged by the Alliance for Education, go directly to recipient schools. Since CANSSPA is not a registered 501(c)(3), it relies on the Alliance for Education as our financial custodian to manage and distribute funds.