ROLLING Moderate ~100h typical effort

Charter School Facilities Program (CSFP)

🏛 State Treasurer's Office (California)

✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Jul 10, 2026

⏰ Deadline
Rollingapply any time
📊 Total program funding
$1.4B
📍 Scope
State
📨 Letter of Intent
No
💵 Disbursement
Advance(s)

Can you apply?

This grant is for California charter schools needing to build new facilities or rehabilitate existing school buildings. Charter schools throughout California can apply for low-cost financing combining grants and loans. The program funds permanent school construction and facility improvements. This is a state-level program administered jointly by the California School Finance Authority and the Office of Public School Construction.

Eligible applicants
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Program description

Through the passage of Propositions 47, 55, 1D, and most recently, 51, $1.4 billion has been made available to charter schools for construction of new facilities or rehabilitation of existing school district facilities. CSFP provides low-cost financing for charter school facilities; 50% grant, 50% loan. This money is used to finance the construction of new, permanent school facilities or rehabilitation of existing school district facilities for charter schools throughout the state. CSFP is jointly administered by the California School Finance Authority (CSFA) and the Office of Public School Construction (OPSC). CSFA directs the financial soundness review process for the CSFP and provides certification of financial soundness for purposes of Preliminary, Advance, and Final Apportionments.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants

How to apply

Application links

Required documents

  • Financial statements and audits
  • Facilities plan and construction specifications
  • Proof of California charter school status
  • Board resolution approving facility project
  • CSFA financial soundness certification
  • Construction cost estimates and bids

Program contact

Funding track record

Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.

122
applications
39
awarded
32%
award rate
6
years tracked

By fiscal year

Fiscal yearApplicationsAwardedAward rate
2020-2021 7 0%
2021-2022 21 0%
2024-2025 1 0%
2023-2024 1 0%
2022-2023 3 2 67%
2025-2026 89 37 42%

Source: California Grants Portal

FAQ

Who can apply to CSFP?

California charter schools seeking funds for new construction or rehabilitation of existing facilities. Your school must meet financial soundness requirements set by CSFA.

What is the funding structure?

Awards are 50% grant and 50% low-cost loan. Total available pool is $1.4 billion statewide.

What activities are eligible?

Construction of new permanent school facilities and rehabilitation of existing school district facilities for charter schools.

When is the deadline?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Check with CSFA or OPSC for current application windows.

Do I need to provide cost-sharing?

No cost-sharing is required. The 50% loan portion functions as your financing mechanism, not your match.

💡 Tips for applicants

  • Ensure your charter school meets CSFA's financial soundness requirements before applying. This is a key threshold.
  • Develop a clear facilities plan showing how construction or rehabilitation aligns with your school's growth and mission.
  • Have realistic construction budgets and timelines ready. Underestimating costs can slow disbursements.
  • Work closely with both CSFA and OPSC early in the process. They oversee different parts of the review.
  • Document your school's operational stability and enrollment trends. Lenders want confidence in your sustainability.

⚠️ Common mistakes

Schools underestimate construction costs or fail to demonstrate financial stability required by CSFA. Applications lacking clear facilities plans or realistic timelines often face delays. Failure to coordinate with both administering agencies early causes process bottlenecks.

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