2026-27 Public Charter Schools Grant Program Start-Up Subgrant
🏛 CA Department of Education (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Jul 10, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for charter school developers seeking startup funding to establish or expand public charter schools in California.
Applicants must be a charter school developer (as defined by ESEA section 4310(5)) with an approved charter petition from an authorized public chartering authority by the application deadline. Three subgrant types are available: New School (Planning and Implementation) for schools not yet serving students, Replication for newly established or conversion schools, and Expansion for established charter schools. All applicants must provide proof of charter petition approval and notify their authorizer of intent to apply.
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Program description
Effective October 1, 2024, California was awarded a $93 million federal CSP grant and plans to distribute 70 PCSGP Start-Up Subgrants to new, replicating, and expanding charter schools. For fiscal year 2026-27, California has an approved pipeline and budget to award approximately 26 subgrants. The actual number and type of subgrants awarded during each Request for Applications (RFA) competition may vary based on demand. If all authorized awards are not approved for funding, California may open additional RFA competition events for new applicants until allocated funds have been awarded. The submission of the Intent to Apply Form is recommended by July 20, 2026. The Intent to Apply Form can be found on the California Department of Education web site by using the link provided in this posting. Please submit the Intent to Apply Form by email to PCSGP@cde.ca.gov. There are three PCSGP Start-Up Subgrants offered through this RFA: New School (Planning and Implementation), Replication, and Expansion. A newly established or conversion charter school may be eligible for a Planning, Implementation, or Replication subgrant provided that the school did not begin serving students prior to July 1, 2024. An established charter school may be eligible for an Expansion subgrant. PCSGP applications are reviewed by peer evaluators and awarded to school developers to assist in the development and initial operations of newly established/conversion/expanding charter schools. A developer, as defined by Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) section 4310(5), must have an approved charter petition from an authorized public chartering authority by the due date of the RFA. If the charter school has an approved charter petition, but is not yet serving students, the applicant must include proof of charter petition approval as part of the PCSGP application. All applicants must submit proof the applicant has notified the authorizer of their intent to apply for PCSGP start-up subgrant funds.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Proof of approved charter petition from authorized public chartering authority
- Notification to authorizer of intent to apply for PCSGP startup subgrant
- Intent to Apply Form
- Complete PCSGP application
Program contact
- 📧 PCSGP@cde.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-322-6029
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Charter school developers with approved charter petitions from public chartering authorities. The school must not have begun serving students prior to July 1, 2024 for new/conversion/replication subgrants.
What are the three types of subgrants?
New School (Planning and Implementation), Replication for new or conversion schools, and Expansion for established charter schools. Awards range from $250,000 to $1,900,000.
What's the deadline?
Applications are due August 14, 2026. An Intent to Apply Form is recommended by July 20, 2026.
What documents do I need to submit?
Proof of approved charter petition, notification to authorizer of PCSGP intent to apply, and the complete PCSGP application as specified in the RFA guidelines.
Will there be more funding rounds if not all money is awarded?
Yes, California may open additional RFA competition events until allocated funds are awarded if authorized awards are not approved.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Submit the Intent to Apply Form by July 20, 2026 to ensure timely review and reduce delays in your application process.
- Ensure your charter petition is fully approved by an authorized public chartering authority before submitting your application.
- Choose the correct subgrant type (New School, Replication, or Expansion) based on your school's establishment date and current status.
- Clearly document proof of charter petition approval and attach all required notifications from your authorizer.
- Review the peer evaluation criteria closely and align your application narrative with demonstrated capacity and community need.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Not obtaining approved charter petition before application deadline. Failing to notify authorizer of PCSGP intent to apply. Applying for wrong subgrant type without verifying school establishment date requirements.
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