Charter Schools

CFDA 84.282 Active Project Grants

Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$272.7M FY2025
$305M
FY16
$285.9M
FY17
$345.7M
FY18
$363.1M
FY19
$370M
FY20
$339.4M
FY21
$370.6M
FY22
$338.9M
FY23
$452.3M
FY24*
$272.7M
FY25*
* estimated

Who has received this funding

Organizations awarded under CFDA 84.282 (USAspending.gov).

Program Objective

The program supports startup of new charter schools and the replication and expansion of high-quality charter schools. Charter schools increase educational options for parents and students and, in exchange for stricter academic accountability, are exempt from many statutory and regulatory requirements. Funds also support State efforts to improve charter schools' access to facilities.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • State governments
  • Local governments
  • Public nonprofits

State entities, including State educational agencies, State charter school boards, Governors, and statewide charter school organizations, in States in which State law authorizes charter schools are eligible. If no State entity in a State receives a grant, charter school developers in the State that have applied to an authorized public chartering authority to operate a charter school, and provided adequate and timely notice to that authority, may apply directly to the Secretary. Charter management organizations with experience operating or managing high-quality quality schools are also separately eligible for grants. Lastly, States are eligible for grants for charter school per-pupil facilities aid programs.

Beneficiaries

  • 22
  • 23
  • 4
  • 5
  • 52
  • 54
  • 55
  • 66
  • 67

School administrators, teachers, and students and their parents are beneficiaries.

How to Apply

Application Procedure

Contact the program office for application information. Application notices are published in the Federal Register.

Award Procedure

Contact the Headquarters Office as listed below for this information.

Approximately 120 days.

Program details & compliance

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

State entities receiving grants make subgrants to charter school developers to open new charter schools or replicate or expand high-quality charter schools; if an eligible State entity does not receive a grant, charter school developers in the State may apply directly to the Secretary for funding. Charter management organizations receiving grants use funds for replication and expansion of high-quality charter schools. Charter school developers and charter management organizations receive up to 5 years of assistance, of which they may use not more than 18 months for planning and program design, and may use funds for such activities as preparing educators, acquiring supplies and equipment, carrying out necessary facility renovations excluding construction, establishing student transportation systems, and carrying out community engagement activities.

States may also receive grants to establish and administer per-pupil facilities aid programs for charter schools. Due to non-supplanting requirements, applicants for per-pupil facilities aid program grants must use a restricted indirect cost rate which is referenced under 34 CFR 75.563. For assistance call the Office of Chief Financial Officer/Indirect Cost Group on (202)708-7770.

Competitions are announced in the Federal Register. Specific limitations and restrictions for each competition are provided in the Federal Register notice.

Matching Requirements

Matching requirements are applicable with respect to grants to States to establish and administer per-pupil facilities aid programs for charter schools.

Reporting & Compliance

Audit Required
Yes

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Anna Hinton
2022601816
Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Charter Schools Program, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20202
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2024-11-12. Spec v1.0. Last synced: 2026-06-02 02:42:44.