Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program
🏛 State Water Resources Control Board (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for charter schools seeking capital funding through low-cost loans. Applicants must be operational or newly opening charter schools eligible to borrow up to $250,000. Priority is given to schools opening in the current fiscal year. Schools must complete the loan application and pass credit evaluation by the State Treasurer's Authority.
Geographic scope is California. The program uses a rolling application process announced via Listserve. Funds support school facilities, equipment, and operational needs financed through structured repayment agreements.
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Program description
Eligible Applicants: Any city, town, district, or other public body created under state law, including state agencies A Native American tribal government or an authorized Native American tribal organization having jurisdiction over disposal of sewage, industrial wastes or other waste Any designated and approved management agency under Section 208 of the Clean Water Act 501(c)(3)’s and National Estuary Programs Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: Construction of publicly-owned treatment facilities: wastewater treatment, local sewers, sewer interceptors, water reclamation and distribution, stormwater treatment, combined sewers, and landfill leachate treatment. Implementation of nonpoint source (NPS) projects to address pollution associated with: agriculture, forestry, urban areas, marinas, hydromodification, wetlands, and development and implementation of estuary comprehensive conservation and management plans for: San Francisco Bay Morro Bay Santa Monica Bay. Financing Terms: Interest Rate – ½ most recent General Obligation (GO) Bond Rate at time of funding approval Financing Term – up to 30 years or the useful life of the project Financing Amount – No maximum funding limit, but partial funding may be applied in annual CWSRF Intended Use Plan. No maximum disbursement limit! Repayment – Begins 1 year after completion of construction Applicants qualifying as small disadvantaged communities (DACs) or small severely disadvantaged communities (SDACs) may be eligible for grants and/or principal forgiveness. Based on affordability criteria, applicant agencies may qualify for 50%, 75%, or 100% grant up to a maximum grant amount.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Loan application form
- Audited financial statements (or recent financials for new schools)
- Board resolutions and governance documentation
- Cash flow projections and repayment plan
- School budget and revenue forecasts
Program contact
- 📧 CleanWaterSRF@waterboards.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-327-9978
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 56 | 29 | 52% |
| 2022-2023 | 19 | 19 | 100% |
| 2023-2024 | 14 | 14 | 100% |
| 2020-2021 | 127 | — | 0% |
| 2021-2022 | 209 | — | 0% |
| 2025-2026 | 167 | 27 | 16% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this loan program?
Charter schools in California can apply. Priority goes to newly opening schools in the current fiscal year.
How much can we borrow?
Loans range from $100,000 to $250,000. The amount depends on your school's creditworthiness and needs.
When can we apply?
The program has a rolling deadline. Watch the Listserve announcements for application period openings and closings.
What happens after we apply?
The Authority conducts credit evaluation, makes funding decisions, and creates a repayment schedule if approved.
What can we use the loan for?
Loans typically fund capital needs like facilities and equipment. Confirm allowable uses with the program during application.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Subscribe to the State Treasurer's Listserve immediately to catch application period announcements.
- Prepare strong financial statements and audited accounts before applying. Credit evaluation is rigorous.
- Have a clear repayment plan based on your school's revenue and budget projections.
- New schools should emphasize governance strength and enrollment projections to strengthen creditworthiness.
- Start early: application processing includes credit review, so plan ahead of when you need funds.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak financial documentation or incomplete audited statements. Poor cash flow projections or unrealistic repayment assumptions. Applying without clear understanding of loan terms and repayment obligations.
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