Tax-Exempt Equipment Financing Program – CHFFA
🏛 State Treasurer's Office (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 8, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for California charter schools seeking financing for facility construction or renovation.
Charter schools throughout California can apply for low-cost financing. Schools must be in good financial standing and pass a financial soundness review.
The program provides 50% grant funding and 50% loan financing. Money supports construction of new permanent facilities or rehabilitation of existing school buildings.
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Program description
Eligibility General Requirements -Must be a health facility as defined in the Authority’s Act (Section 15432(d) of the California Government Code) -Must be a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation or public health facility (e.g., district hospital) as defined in the Authority’s act (Section 15432(e) of the California Government Code) -Must have been in existence for at least three years, providing the same types of services -Must demonstrate evidence of fiscal soundness and the ability to meet the terms of the proposed loan Use of Funds Funds may be used for: -The purchase or reimbursement of all types of qualifying equipment by an eligible health facility -The financing of minor equipment installation costs Loan Terms -Market determined fixed interest rate, depending on maturity -The maturity of the loan must relate to the useful life of the equipment to be financed -Loan minimum of $500,000, no maximum loan amount Fees -$500 non-refundable application fee -Initial fee of 0.05% of the issue amount -Annual administrative fee of $400, as long as there is an outstanding loan balance Required Documentation -Three most recent fiscal years of audited financial statements
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Financial soundness certification from CSFA
- Detailed project scope and description
- Construction or renovation plans and budget
- School's financial statements and audit
- Documentation of facility need or condition assessment
Program contact
- 📧 erica.rodriguez@treasurer.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-653-2799
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | — | — | — |
| 2020-2021 | — | — | — |
| 2021-2022 | — | — | — |
| 2023-2024 | — | — | — |
| 2024-2025 | — | — | — |
| 2025-2026 | 3 | 3 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for CSFP?
California charter schools can apply. Your school must pass the California School Finance Authority's financial soundness review.
What can the funding be used for?
Construction of new permanent school facilities or rehabilitation of existing buildings. Both new projects and renovation work qualify.
What is the funding structure?
Awards provide 50% as a grant and 50% as a loan. This blended financing reduces your school's overall cost.
How much funding is available?
$1.4 billion total has been allocated through various state propositions. Specific award amounts vary by project.
Is there a deadline?
The program operates on a rolling basis. Check with CSFA or OPSC for current application windows and guidelines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Ensure your school has passed or can pass the financial soundness certification before applying.
- Document your facility needs clearly. Include square footage, project scope, and timeline in your proposal.
- Understand the 50% loan obligation. Plan your school's long-term budget to service the debt.
- Work with the California School Finance Authority early. They guide applicants through the review process.
- Have an experienced project manager. Facility construction requires careful oversight and timely reporting.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Schools underestimate loan repayment obligations in their budgets. Financial projections must account for debt service realistically.
Applicants fail to obtain financial soundness certification before submitting. Complete this review first to avoid delays.
Poor project scoping leads to cost overruns. Define your facility project scope clearly before application.
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- ROLLING Charter School Facilities Program (CSFP) — State Treasurer's Office (California)
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