Charter School Facilities Program (CSFP)
🏛 State Treasurer's Office (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Aug 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for charter schools seeking construction or rehabilitation of school facilities in California. Only charter schools operating under California law are eligible. The program provides 50% grant funding and 50% loan funding. Applications are reviewed for financial soundness by the California School Finance Authority.
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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 (3+ years)
- Detailed project budget and cost estimates
- Architectural or engineering plans
- Proof of property ownership or lease
- Board resolution authorizing project
- Enrollment projections
- Repayment feasibility analysis for loan component
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?
Charter schools operating in California are eligible. The school must be planning construction or rehabilitation of permanent facilities.
What is the funding structure?
CSFP provides 50% grant funding and 50% low-cost loan financing. Total funding available is $1.4 billion statewide.
Is there a deadline?
The program operates on a rolling basis. Check with CSFA for current application windows and specific deadlines.
What types of projects are funded?
Eligible projects include construction of new permanent school facilities or rehabilitation of existing school district facilities for charter schools.
Who reviews applications?
The California School Finance Authority (CSFA) conducts financial soundness reviews. OPSC also provides oversight on construction aspects.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate strong financial stability. CSFA conducts a thorough financial soundness review before funding.
- Start early. Securing 50% loan financing takes time; work with lenders in parallel with grant application.
- Partner with experienced facilities consultants. Construction cost estimates and project timelines are critical to approval.
- Prepare detailed project plans. Include site plans, budget breakdowns, and construction schedules.
- Understand the loan component. Half your funding is a loan, so model repayment capacity carefully.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating project costs or construction timelines. Weak financial reserves or declining enrollment trends. Insufficient detail in facilities plans or unrealistic budget projections.
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