Science and Lake Improvement Account Program
🏛 Tahoe Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Nov 1, 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.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) leads California’s efforts to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The principal goal of the Conservancy’s Science and Lake Improvement Account program (SB 630, 2013) is to support near-shore environmental improvement program activities and projects, particularly projects that manage aquatic invasive species or improve public access to sovereign land in Lake Tahoe. More specifically, such projects manage aquatic invasive species, or improve public access to sovereign land in Lake Tahoe, including planning and site improvement or reconstruction projects on public land, and land acquisitions from willing sellers. SB 630 (2013) allocates the Conservancy approximately $350,000 annually. Please contact staff at grants@tahoe.ca.gov for more information.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
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
- 📧 grants@tahoe.ca.gov
- 📞 1-530-542-5580
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 | 3 | 3 | 100% |
| 2022-2023 | 3 | 3 | 100% |
| 2023-2024 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
| 2024-2025 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
| 2021-2022 | — | — | — |
| 2025-2026 | 3 | 1 | 33% |
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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