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About CSP

Grant Programs

Charter Schools Program

CSP grants aim to create, expand, and replicate high-quality charter schools across the nation. By providing grants for new school startup and implementation, replication and expansion of existing high-quality schools, and access to facilities funding opportunities, CSP grants fill a resource void that has otherwise not been met for the charter sector.

What You Will Find on Each CSP Grant Page

Every CSP grant page linked below follows a clear structure to help you quickly locate the information you need. Each grant page includes:

  • Awards, Funding, and Legislation: Details about the legal authority behind the program, total funding available, and how grants are structured—whether it is a new competition or a continuation of past funding. This section also notes relevant statutes and appropriations.
  • Applicant Information and Eligibility: A description of who can apply for each grant and what qualifies as an eligible applicant. This includes guidance on the types of organizations and schools served by each grant program.
  • Current Year Competition Details: Time-sensitive information about the latest competition cycle, including application deadlines, release dates for the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA), submission requirements, and links to application packages or instructions.

Expanding Opportunities Through Quality CSP Grants to State Entities (SE)

CSP awards State Entity (SE) grants to SEAs and qualified statewide organizations. CSP SE grants enable state entities to award subgrants to eligible applicants in their state to open and prepare for the operation of new charter schools and to replicate and expand high-quality charter schools. State entities must use grant funds to provide technical assistance to applicants and authorizers for opening, replicating, or expanding charter schools.

  • Since 1995, CSP has awarded $4.2 billion across 216 grants.
  • 7,188 subgrants have been awarded to schools since 2006.
  • 1.9 million students were enrolled in SE grant funded schools during the 2022–23 school year.

*Data through 2023

Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools (CMO)

CSP awards Charter Management Organization (CMO) grants to nonprofit CMOs. The CSP CMO grants enable CMOs to replicate and expand high-quality charter schools by opening new schools or campuses, or by adding grades and increasing enrollment at existing schools. CMOs must use grant funds to strengthen their networks, support school operations, and ensure the success of the schools they manage.

  • Since 2010, CSP has awarded 119 grants to 69 nonprofit charter management networks to support 949 charter schools.
  • In the 2022–23 school year, 356,454 students were enrolled in schools that had received network funding from CSP at some point.

*Data through 2023

Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program (CE)

CSP awards Credit Enhancement (CE) grants to the following eligible entities: (a) a public entity, such as a state or local governmental entity; (b) a private, nonprofit entity; or (c) a consortium of entities described in (a) and (b). The CE program helps charter schools access private-sector financing for facilities by improving their credit and reducing borrowing costs. Grant funds are placed in reserve accounts that allow grantees to assist charter schools with acquiring, constructing, or renovating facilities, as well as covering pre-development expenses.

  • Since 2002, CSP has awarded 79 grant awards to 23 community finance organizations to support access to facilities or facilities financing that have supported 924 schools.

*Data through 2023

State Charter Schools Facilities Incentive Grants (SFIG)

CSP awards State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grants (SFIG) to states. The program supports the creation or expansion of state "per-pupil facilities aid" programs for charter schools. Federal funds are used to match state or nonfederal contributions, helping charter schools cover facilities costs. To encourage long-term sustainability, the federal share of facilities funding decreases each year (from 90% in year one to 20% in year five) and phases out entirely after five years.

  • $159.1 million was obligated to SFIG grantees between 2004 and 2023.

CSP Grants to Charter School Developers

Through the CSP Developer Grants, the U.S. Department of Education provides financial assistance to charter school developers to open and prepare new charter schools, or to replicate and expand high-quality charter schools in states that do not currently have an active SE grant. Funding is available under two types of awards: grants for the opening of new charter schools (ALN 84.282B) and grants for the replication and expansion of existing high-quality charter schools (ALN 84.282E).

  • Since 2002, CSP has awarded 311 grants directly to charter school developers.
  • In the 2022–23 school year, 77,542 students were enrolled in schools that had received direct funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

*Data through 2023

Model Development and Dissemination Grants (MDD)

The CSP Model Development and Dissemination (MDD) Grant provides competitive funding to eligible organizations to develop and share effective practices from high-quality charter school models. Authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the program expands access to innovative education options by highlighting strategies from successful charter schools in areas such as civics, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), career and technical education, and models serving students with unique needs. MDD projects focus on at least one stage of the charter school life cycle—from planning and authorization to operations, student success, and replication—and must address key challenges and solutions to help other schools strengthen quality and outcomes.

  • For FY 2025, the Department plans to award approximately $4 million in MDD grants.