The Charter School Revolving Loan Fund Program
🏛 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 capital funding for operations, facilities, or expansion. Public charter schools in California are eligible to apply. Priority is given to newly opening charter schools in the current fiscal year. Schools must demonstrate strong credit history and financial stability to qualify for loans.
The Authority reviews all applications on a rolling basis and makes funding recommendations. Approved schools receive loan agreements with clear payment schedules. Funds are disbursed directly to applicants upon agreement execution.
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Program description
The Charter School Revolving Loan Fund (CSRFL) Program provides low-cost loans of up to $250,000 to charter schools, with priority given to schools opening in the current fiscal year. The Authority conducts extensive credit evaluations, makes funding recommendations, executes loan agreements, creates payment schedules, disburses funds, offsets loan payments, collects delinquent or defaulted loans, and develops program fund reconciliations and projections. The Authority sends out a Listserve to announce the opening and closing of the application period.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Loan application form
- Financial statements and audits
- Credit history documentation
- Detailed budget and financial projections
- Articles of incorporation or charter documents
- Board authorization letter
Program contact
- 📧 csfa@treasurer.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-651-7710
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | 5 | — | 0% |
| 2020-2021 | 20 | — | 0% |
| 2022-2023 | 7 | 5 | 71% |
| 2023-2024 | 6 | 5 | 83% |
| 2024-2025 | 7 | 3 | 43% |
| 2025-2026 | 29 | 2 | 7% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
California charter schools are eligible. Priority is given to newly opening schools in the current fiscal year.
How much can I borrow?
The loan range is $100,000 to $250,000 per school. Actual amount depends on credit evaluation and needs.
When is the deadline?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The Authority announces opening and closing dates via Listserve, so subscribe to stay informed.
What credit requirements apply?
The Authority conducts extensive credit evaluations before approving loans. Schools must demonstrate financial stability and creditworthiness.
Do I need to provide matching funds?
No cost sharing or matching funds are required for this loan program.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Subscribe to the Authority's Listserve immediately to get notifications when the application period opens. Missing the announcement is a common mistake.
- Prepare strong financial documentation before applying. The Authority reviews credit history carefully, so clean financials are essential.
- Highlight your school's operational track record or opening timeline clearly. New schools opening in the current year have priority.
- Have realistic projections showing loan repayment capacity. The Authority will require evidence that your school can meet payment obligations.
- Apply early in the open period if possible. Rolling deadlines mean later applications may not be funded if the $25M pool runs out.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Schools fail to demonstrate adequate credit history or financial stability to repay loans. Vague or incomplete financial projections make applications non-competitive. Schools miss application deadlines because they don't subscribe to Listserve announcements.
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