Charter School Facilities Program (CSFP)
🏛 State Treasurer's Office (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Nov 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for California charter schools seeking construction or rehabilitation funding. Charter schools must be in operation and seeking to build new facilities or renovate existing school district buildings. The program provides hybrid financing: 50% grant and 50% low-cost loan. Financial soundness certification is required to receive funding.
Geographic scope is limited to California only. Applications go through the California School Finance Authority and Office of Public School Construction. Both new construction and building rehabilitation projects are eligible.
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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 soundness certification (CSFA)
- Detailed facility plans and architectural drawings
- Project budget and financing plan
- School financials and audit reports
- Proof of charter school authorization
- School board resolutions approving the project
Program contact
- 📧 csfa@treasurer.ca.gov
- 📞 1-213-620-4608
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 | 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 for CSFP funding?
California charter schools can apply. Your school must be in operation and eligible to receive state funding. Contact CSFA for financial soundness certification requirements.
What can the money be used for?
Funds support construction of new school facilities or rehabilitation of existing school district buildings. The 50% grant/50% loan structure helps make projects affordable.
Is this a rolling deadline or competitive?
The program operates on a rolling basis, though specific application windows may vary by funding source. Check with CSFA and OPSC for current cycles.
What financial documentation will I need?
Charter schools must undergo financial soundness review and certification through CSFA before receiving funding. Bring audited financials and budget projections.
How large can a project be?
Projects range widely within the $1.4 billion statewide pool. Specific project size limits depend on current funding availability and your school's financial capacity.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Obtain financial soundness certification early from CSFA. This is a prerequisite for funding and takes time.
- Prepare detailed facility plans showing project scope, timeline, and budget before applying.
- Understand the 50% grant/50% loan structure. Plan how your school will service the loan portion.
- Document existing building condition thoroughly for rehabilitation projects. Strong baseline conditions strengthen your case.
- Coordinate with both CSFA and OPSC during the application process. Both agencies must approve projects.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without financial soundness certification. Proposing projects exceeding the school's financial capacity to manage the loan portion. Submitting incomplete facility plans or budget justifications.
Similar grants
- ROLLING Charter School Facility Grant Program – (SB740) — State Treasurer's Office (California)
- ROLLING Charter School Facility Grant Program – (SB740) — State Treasurer's Office (California)
- ROLLING CEFA Bond Financing Program — State Treasurer's Office (California)
- ROLLING The Charter School Revolving Loan Fund Program — State Treasurer's Office (California)
- ROLLING The Charter School Revolving Loan Fund Program — State Treasurer's Office (California)