Healthcare Expansion Loan Program II (HELP II)
🏛 State Treasurer's Office (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Sep 5, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for charter schools seeking capital funding to launch or expand operations. The Charter School Revolving Loan Fund provides low-cost loans up to $250,000 to eligible charter schools in California. Priority consideration goes to schools opening in the current fiscal year.
Charter schools must demonstrate financial viability and creditworthiness through the Authority's credit evaluation process. Schools apply during announced application periods (rolling basis). The fund focuses on charter schools with demonstrated need and strong operational plans.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
Eligibility -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 and qualify as a small or rural health facility or public health facility (e.g., district hospital) as defined in the Authority’s Act (Section 15432(e) of the California Government Code) -Small facilities must have annual gross revenues of $30 million or less (no revenue limit for rural facilities or district hospitals) -Must be licensed by the State of California, typically through the Department of Health Care Services, Public Health, or Social Services -Must have been in existence for at least three years, providing the same types of services -Must demonstrate evidence of discal soundness and the ability to meet the terms of the proposed loan -Facility must be certified, organized, maintained and operated for the diagnosis, care, prevention, and treatment of human illness, or physical, mental, or developmental disability, including convalescence and rehabilitation and including during care during and after pregnancy Use of Funds Funds may be used for: -Purchase, construction, renovation, or remodeling of real property -Purchase equipment and furnishings -Perform feasibility studies, site tests, and surveys associated with real property -Pay permit fees, architectural fees, and pre-construction costs -Refinancing existing debt Loan Terms -Minimum loan amount of $25,000 -Maximum loan amount of $1.5 million ($1 million for refinancing existing debt) -Interest rate of 3% (4% for refinancing existing debt) -Maximum loan maturity depends on use of funds. Between 5 years for equipment and furnishings and 20 years for the purchase, construction and renovation of real property (15 years for refinancing existing debt) -Gross revenue pledge, as well as a lien on the equipment or property, is required -Maximum loan-to-value ratio of 95% -Borrowers must contribute a minimum of 5% (in the form of cash or documented project expenditures) toward project costs -Proforma debt service coverage of at least 1.0x Fees -$50 non-refundable application fee -Initial fee of 1.25% of the loan amount payable at closing -No ongoing program fees Required Documentation -Three most recent fiscal years of audited financial statements -Proof of adequate property and business insurance
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Completed loan application form
- Financial projections (multi-year)
- School budget documentation
- Organizational structure and governance documents
- Proof of charter school status/authorization
Program contact
- 📧 chffa@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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 11 | 11 | 100% |
| 2022-2023 | 20 | 11 | 55% |
| 2024-2025 | 7 | 7 | 100% |
| 2025-2026 | 4 | 4 | 100% |
| 2020-2021 | — | — | — |
| 2021-2022 | — | — | — |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for CSRFL loans?
Charter schools in California can apply. Priority is given to schools opening in the current fiscal year. Your school must pass a credit evaluation and demonstrate financial viability.
What is the maximum loan amount?
Loans range from $100,000 to $250,000 depending on school needs and creditworthiness. The total program has $25,000,000 in available funding.
When is the deadline?
The program uses rolling admissions. The Authority sends listserve announcements when application periods open and close. Subscribe to the listserve to stay informed.
What will the Authority evaluate?
They conduct extensive credit evaluations and assess financial projections. They review your school's viability, enrollment plans, and ability to repay. Strong financial management documentation is critical.
How quickly can we receive funding?
Timeline varies based on credit review and agreement execution. Contact the Authority for typical disbursement timelines for your situation.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Subscribe to the Authority's listserve immediately. Application windows open and close without advance notice. Missing the announcement means missing the opportunity.
- Prepare comprehensive financial documentation before applying. Credit evaluations scrutinize budgets, cash flow projections, and revenue forecasts. Weak financials are the top rejection reason.
- Prioritize new schools or those opening this fiscal year. The program explicitly favors schools in their launch year. Existing schools face steeper credit standards.
- Develop a clear use-of-funds narrative. Explain exactly how the loan advances your school's mission and timeline. Vague or speculative plans weaken applications.
- Build relationships with the Authority early. Ask questions about credit requirements before submitting. Understanding their standards helps you present the strongest application.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak financial documentation and unrealistic cash flow projections cause most rejections. Schools underestimate startup costs or overestimate enrollment. Late or incomplete applications miss rolling deadlines because applicants don't monitor the listserve.
Similar grants
- ROLLING CEFA Bond Financing Program — State Treasurer's Office (California)
- ROLLING Investigating Site Contamination Program (ISCP) — Department of Toxic Substances Control (California)
- ROLLING Project Acceleration Notes and Credit Enhancement Alternatives — State Treasurer's Office (California)
- ROLLING State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grants Program (CFDA 84.282D) — State Treasurer's Office (California)
- ROLLING California Lending for Energy and Environmental Needs (CLEEN) — Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (California)