Orphan Site Cleanup Fund
🏛 State Water Resources Control Board (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Jul 10, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for charter schools seeking low-cost financing for startup or operational needs. Applicants must be existing or newly opening charter schools. Schools opening in the current fiscal year receive priority consideration. The loan amount ranges from $100,000 to $250,000.
Geographic scope is California only. Charter schools in California are eligible to apply. The program prioritizes schools beginning operations in the fiscal year of application.
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Program description
Senate Bill 445 (Hill, chapter 547, statutes of 2014), effective September 25, 2014, changed the OSCF eligibility criteria by not limiting the program to brownfield sites. Grant Details Grants provide funding for response actions that characterize, assess, andinvestigate an unauthorized release from petroleum USTs. These actions include apreliminary site assessment, soil and groundwater investigations, and preparation of a corrective action plan in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Chapter 16, Article 11. Grants may also provide funding for UST system removal, petroleum product removal and soil excavation, not to exceed 500 cubic yards at the eligible site. Grants also provide funding for response actions that carry out cleanup activities,implement a corrective action plans, and perform verification monitoring in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Chapter 16, Article 11. If a corrective action plan is required, the State Water Board cannot award a cleanup grant until the applicant demonstrates the corrective action plan is complete and approved by the regulatory agency. However, the applicant may apply for a cleanup grant before completion and approval of the corrective action plan. Note that only the current property owner is eligible for a Cleanup Grant.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Loan application form
- Financial statements (recent and projected)
- Credit evaluation materials
- Repayment plan or revenue projections
- Charter authorization documents
- School governance and operational plan
Program contact
- 📧 michael.morones@waterboards.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-341-5009
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 20 | — | 0% |
| 2021-2022 | 50 | 39 | 78% |
| 2023-2024 | 12 | 36 | 300% |
| 2024-2025 | 15 | 42 | 280% |
| 2022-2023 | 14 | — | 0% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Charter schools in California are eligible. Schools opening in the current fiscal year receive priority funding consideration.
When does the application period open and close?
The program uses rolling deadlines. The State Treasurer's Office announces opening and closing dates via a Listserve. Subscribe to stay informed about application windows.
What can I use the loan funds for?
Loans support charter school startup and operational needs. The specific allowable uses depend on the school's credit profile and loan agreement terms.
How much can we borrow?
Loans range from $100,000 to $250,000. The exact amount depends on your school's needs and credit evaluation results.
Is this a grant or a loan?
This is a revolving loan program. Schools must repay the funds. The State Treasurer's Office conducts credit evaluation before approval.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Subscribe to the State Treasurer's Office Listserve immediately to catch application announcements. Missing the deadline window means waiting for the next cycle.
- Prepare strong financial documentation. The Authority conducts extensive credit evaluations before disbursement.
- Prioritize if you're opening in the current fiscal year. New schools receive preferential consideration over established schools.
- Have a detailed repayment plan ready. The program creates payment schedules based on your school's revenue projections.
- Apply early within the open window. Rolling funds may close once the allocation depletes.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Incomplete or weak financial documentation. Schools lacking clear revenue projections or adequate operating budgets struggle in credit evaluation. Missing the application announcement because you're not subscribed to the Listserve. Missing deadlines because you didn't know the program was accepting applications.
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