California’s developing and operating charter schools have access to various funding sources. These resources include a variety of grants, fundraising, and loan programs. Depending on several factors (such as number of years in operation, student population, location, etc) your charter school may be eligible for one or more of the following options.

Grants

Programs Now Accepting Applications:

2004-2007 Public Charter Schools Grant Program
In 2004, the federal government awarded over $81million in grant funding to California’s PCSGP, which will in turn award that money in individual grants to schools. This was the largest award ever received by any state for this grant program. These funds support three grant cycles over the 2004 to 2007 period.

The RFA for the 2006-2007 grant cycle was posted on the on the California Department of Education (CDE) website on JUNE 1, 2006 at www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r1/pcsgp06rfa.asp . Simple online statement of intent forms (www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r1/ap/intentform.asp) must be submitted by JUNE 15, 2006 and final applications are due JULY 20, 2006.

An estimated $25 million will be awarded in this cycle. The 2006-2007 PCSGP will have the same grant types as in previous cycles:

Start-up Grants: These grants will support new charter schools during charter school planning and implementation phases. The planning phase includes school design through charter approval. The implementation phase includes post-approval start-up and the first years of operation. Start-up grant recipients who successfully complete the planning phase according to specified performance benchmarks will automatically roll into the implementation phase. The maximum start-up grant period length is 36 months, with the planning phase lasting no more than 18 months and the implementation phase lasting no more than 24 months.

Implementation Grants: These grants will support implementation efforts for charter schools within the first two years of operation (that have not previously received a start-up grant). The maximum length of an implementation grant award is 24 months.

Dissemination Grants: These grants will support the dissemination of best practices to other public schools by offering grants to charter schools in operation for three or more years. The maximum length of a dissemination grant award is 24 months.

Maximum grant award amounts will be configured in a staggered structure to distinguish between start-up and conversion schools, non-classroom based and site-based schools, and schools of lower and higher enrollment figures. Depending on these factors, maximum start-up grants for the planning phase will be $50,000. Implementation grants and start-up grants for the implementation phase can range from $150,000 to $400,000. Maximum dissemination grants will be $250,000. See the below chart for details.

The Public Charter Schools Grant Program provides critical support for California’s charter school movement. For most developing schools, PCSGP awards are essential to cover the myriad costs related to school start-up. All charter school developers, operators, and authorizers should take advantage of this opportunity.

CSDC will cover the PCSGP and other charter school grant-writing topics at our Grant-Writing and Fundraising Strategies Workshop on June 6, 2006 in Sacramento and June 8, 2006 in San Diego. Click here for more information and to register.

Questions? Contact Stephanie Schwuchow at 916-278-6069 or CSDC@chartercenter.org.

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Emergency Response and Crisis Management Grant Program
The goal of this program is to improve school emergency response and crisis management through the development of comprehensive crisis management plans at school district and building levels. Plans must address four phases of crisis planning as defined in the RFA (Prevention/Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery), include trainings for school staff, students, and parents, and coordinate with local law enforcement, public safety, health, and mental health agencies. Applications must also be coordinated with the California Homeland Security Plan. The competitive review process for this funding opportunity is typical of most U.S. Department of Education funding programs. The application includes six fairly straightforward forms, certifications, and other grant materials required in the application, including an 18-month budget projection that covers the various programmatic requirements detailed in the RFA. The primary, and most arduous, component of the application is the detailed program/plan description. Grant recipients must also submit a final report on the effectiveness of the programs and activities funded by the grant. Due to the comprehensive nature of these emergency response and crisis plans, CSDC recommends that charter school applicants be limited to those who have the resources and expertise to develop such a program as well as existing partnerships with the relevant local agencies. All interested charter schools must meet the absolute priority requirements noted above and detailed thoroughly in the RFA.

Approximately 71 grants will be awarded, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 per award. Applications are due JUNE 22, 2006. Direct funded charter schools are eligible to apply directly. Locally funded charter schools who are interested in this opportunity should work with their district to apply for funds. Detailed information regarding application requirements can be found at www.ed.gov/programs/dvpemergencyresponse/applicant.html. Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Education's Web site at: www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/index.html. The CFDA number is 84.184E. For more information, or to request a paper application, contact Tara Hill, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 3E340, Washington, DC. 20202-6450. 202-708-4850 or tara.hill@ed.gov.

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Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) Program
Planning and implementation grants are available for the Smaller Learning Communities Program, which aims to promote academic achievement through "small, safe, and successful learning environments in large public high schools to help ensure that all students graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to make successful transitions to college and careers." Eligible applicants include LEAs representing public high schools that include grades 11 and 12, with 1,000 or more students enrolled in grades 9 and above. Developing schools without an active student enrollment at the time of application will not be accepted. Additionally, applicants must fulfill absolute funding priorities that help "all students to succeed in rigorous academic courses." Detail on absolute priorities can be found at www.ed.gov/programs/slcp/index.html.

The U.S. Department of Education estimates that 50 grants will be awarded in 2006 with a total of $93,531,240 available in funding. Applications are due JUNE 26, 2006. You may access the electronic grant application for the Smaller Learning Communities Program at grants.gov . You must search for the downloadable application package for this program by the CFDA number - 84.215. For more information, or to request a paper application package, contact Deborah Williams, U.S. Department of Education, OVAE, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., PCP room 11033, Washington, DC 20202-7241. 202-245-7770 or deborah.williams@ed.gov.

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Consolidated Application Part I
Part I of the Consolidated Application for categorical funding (ConApp) is due JUNE 30, 2006. Directly-funded charter schools who seek federal funding are required to go through the ConApp process to receive federal funding from most of the programs authorized in the "No Child Left Behind (NCLB)" legislation. NCLB funding includes all of the major "Title" programs, (e.g., Title I), and is a major funding source for many charter schools.

Locally-funded charter schools do not have to submit their own ConApp; instead, they should contact their district's ConApp coordinator to ensure that the charter school's information will be included on the district's own ConApp and that the charter school will receive its appropriate share of NCLB funding via the district. Part II of the ConApp typically due in January.

Though the federal funding can be substantial, especially for schools serving large numbers of students who are eligible for free/reduced price meals, the application and compliance burden (red tape) associated with the funding can be very burdensome. Schools seeking Title I funding, for example, must complete both Parts I and II of the ConApp, must develop written "LEA" and school wide/targeted assistance plans, must develop various internal budget controls and spend the funds in accord with their plans and federal law, etc. In addition, the school must implement the "Coordinated Compliance Review" (CCR) process and may be subject to stringent federal audit requirements. For many schools, especially smaller ones, the application and compliance burden may not justify the amount of funding received.

For general ConApp information, visit: www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=751. Program questions may be directed to Anne Daniels at adaniels@cde.ca.gov or 916-319-0925.

Below are links to more information on topics related to the Consolidated Application:
LEA Plans: www.cde.ca.gov/nclb/sr/le/ NCLB: www.cde.ca.gov/nclb/index.asp
Title I "school-wide" or "targeted" assistance plans: www.cde.ca.gov/sp/sw/

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Advanced Placement (AP) Test Fee Reimbursement Program
The Advanced Placement (AP) Test Fee Reimbursement Program removes the financial barriers that prevent many low-income students in comprehensive high schools from taking the AP course test. Funding supports the payment of AP test fees for eligible students.

Low-income students who are enrolled in an AP class and plan to take the end-of-course AP exam are eligible to participate in the program. Upon teacher recommendation, a low-income student who has previously taken an AP class but not the exam may also be eligible to participate.

Local educational agencies (LEA) will be reimbursed $47 for each exam for students whose family income does not exceed 150 percent of the poverty income level. LEAs will be reimbursed $69 for each exam for students whose family income exceeds 150 percent, but does not exceed 200 percent of the poverty income level.

Online applications will be available starting MAY 22, 2006. The RFA is currently posted at www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r17/apfee05rfa.asp. Additional information is available at www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=701. Online applications are due on JULY 14, 2006. Program questions may be directed to Sallie L. Wilson at swilson@cde.ca.gov or 916-323-5765.

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Loan Forgiveness for Teachers
Math, science and special education teachers who have taught full-time in Title I (economically disadvantaged) schools for five consecutive years may be eligible for higher loan forgiveness amounts under a new law. The Taxpayer-Teacher Protection Act (P.L. 108-409), signed by President Bush in October 2004, authorizes up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness to individuals who have been employed full time for five consecutive years as highly qualified math, science and special education teachers. The definition of "highly qualified teacher" is contained in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

This dramatic increase of $12,500 (from only $5,000) above the loan forgiveness amounts available to other teachers is meant to ease the shortage of teachers in key subject areas. The increased amount of teacher loan forgiveness is available to new Federal Stafford Loan borrowers (math, science and special education teachers with no outstanding loan balances prior to Oct. 1, 1998, who borrowed eligible loans prior to Oct. 1, 2005).

An otherwise eligible borrower who has already received loan forgiveness under the prior requirements is eligible to receive further loan forgiveness, up to the difference between $17,500 and the amount previously forgiven, once the borrower has completed the required five years of teaching service as a highly qualified special education teacher or as a highly qualified secondary school math or science teacher.

For more information, contact the U.S. Department of Education's customer service call center at 1-800-433-7327, or visit www.ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/GEN0414.html.

Additional grant opportunities come available on an on-going basis. For more information on charter school grants or other fundraising practices, contact Stephanie Schwuchow at CSDC@chartercenter.org.

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Other Grant Opportunities:

The State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grants Program
This program provides charter schools with flexible assistance for a broad array of facilities uses. Despite its name, the program is funded from federal charter facilities grant funds. The grant funds can be used for rent, lease, mortgage or debt service payments for existing or new facilities, or for the purchase, design and construction costs of acquiring land and building/renovating a facility.

Funds will be distributed based on a series of preference points. Preferences will be given for the following criteria:

• free and reduced-priced lunch data (maximum of 40 points)
• location in an overcrowded attendance area (maximum of 40 points)
• organization as a tax exempt/non-profit corporation (20 points)

Eligible charter schools will be funded up to $750 per student, to a maximum of 75% of annual facilities costs. There is also an additional cap of $250,000 annual facilities costs for rent or lease payments, and a cap of $500,000 for new construction/renovation projects. New charter schools opening this year are not eligible for funding. The program is also unavailable for attendance generated through nonclassroom-based education. This program also contains several additional eligibility criteria because of federal requirements, which are detailed in an article entitled “Treasurer’s Office Prepares New Charter School Facilities Aid Program” in CSDC’s Summer 2005 issue of Charter Currents. The article provides more detail about the program’s funding criteria, acceptable uses of funds, and application process.

Previous applications were due to the California School Finance Authority in early AUGUST. You can find previous application and program information, including a set of FAQ’s at www.treasurer.ca.gov/csfa/. Program questions may be directed to the California School Finance Authority at csfa@treasurer.ca.gov or 916-651-7710.

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Charter School Facility Grant Program (SB 740)
The Charter School Facility Grant Program was enacted by Senate Bill (SB) 740 (Chapter 892, Statutes of 2001, Education Code Section 47614.5) for the purpose of providing assistance with facilities rent and lease expenditures for charter schools that meet certain eligibility criteria. Eligible charter schools may receive reimbursement for facilities rent and lease costs in an amount of up to $750 per unit of classroom-based average daily attendance (ADA), as certified at the second principal apportionment, but no more than 75 percent of their total annual facilities rent and lease costs. If there are insufficient funds to reimburse all eligible charter schools at the maximum level, the funding provided to each eligible school will be reduced on a pro-rata basis. To be eligible for reimbursement, a charter school site must be geographically located within the attendance area of a public elementary school in which at least 70 percent of the pupil enrollment is eligible for free or reduced price meals, or serving a pupil population that meets or exceeds 70 percent eligibility for free and reduced price meals. Charter schools occupying existing school district or county office of education facilities and charter schools receiving reasonably equivalent facilities from their chartering authority pursuant to Education Code Section 47614 (Proposition 39) are not eligible for reimbursement.

Additional conditions of the Charter School Facility Grant Program provide that: (1) Charter schools receiving funding through this program that have exceeded their enrollment capacity must extend admissions preference to those students currently attending the charter school and to those students who reside in the elementary school attendance area in which the charter school is located, and (2) Charter schools relocating to the attendance area of an eligible elementary school must give admissions preference to the students who reside in the eligible elementary school's attendance area. These conditions are intended to ensure that the needs of students residing in predominantly financially disadvantaged areas are also being met.

To apply for reimbursement funding for expenditures incurred, charter schools must submit an Application for Eligibility and a Facility Expenditure Report. (Eligibility must be established annually). Multi-site charters must submit a separate application for each site for which they are seeking reimbursement. Required forms are posted on the California Department of Education website located at www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=618.

Past applications were due in late AUGUST. CDE determines the reimbursement amounts after all eligible applicants have submitted their applications and expenditure reports. Program questions may be directed to Oluwole Olukoya at 916-327-5929 or oolukoya@cde.ca.gov.

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K-3 Class Size Reduction Program
K-3 Class Size Reduction (CSR) provides funds to school districts and charter schools that reduce one or more classes to 20 pupils per certificated teacher. Classes must be reduced following a grade-level priority: first grade, then second grade, then third grade or kindergarten or both. Funding is calculated at $967 per pupil in eligible Option 1 classes (those that are reduced for the full day) and $484 per pupil in eligible Option 2 classes (those that are reduced for at least 50 percent of the instructional minutes offered each day).

Charter schools are eligible to participate in CSR programs under the same conditions that other schools are eligible. Direct-funded charter schools must apply for Class Size Reduction funds separately from their sponsoring school istrict. A locally funded charter school may also apply separately from its sponsoring district provided that it is not also included in the district's application. (It is important that locally funded charter schools verify with their sponsoring district whether or not the district has included them in the district's application.) Home schools, distance learning programs, and independent study programs/pupils are not eligible for CSR funding.

Participants must reapply each year. Class sizes are computed based on the average daily enrollment in each class, and with the exception of very small school districts, cannot exceed 20.44 pupils. A class size calculator is available at www.cde.ca.gov/ls/cs/k3/. Staff development training is required for teachers new to the program. Applications are typically due in OCTOBER. Past Request for Applications (RFA) are available at www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=628. Program questions may be directed to Lynn Piccoli at lpiccoli@cde.ca.gov or 916-323-3926.

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Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) Grant
Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) funds support health education efforts aimed at the prevention and reduction of tobacco use through research-proven, effective programs. There are two TUPE grant programs, one for grades six through eight and another for grades nine through twelve. The program supporting grades six through eight is currently accepting new applicants. The program supporting grades nine through twelve is accepting both new and continuing applicants.

Grants are offered over a three-year funding period. The TUPE program for grades six through eight offers up to $10,000-30,000 per year. The grade nine through twelve program offers a formula-driven grant amount based on 2003-2004 P2 ADA. Applicants with under 1000 ADA will use the following formula: $18,000 + $21 per ADA (with a $37,500 maximum). Applicants with over 1000 ADA are eligible for $37.50 per ADA. Past grant amounts are posted online at www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r8/tupe6804result.asp and www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r8/tupe91204result.asp.

The TUPE application includes a relatively straightforward set of nine to ten forms, depending on the program selected. Special scoring emphasis is placed on the program plan, program evaluation plan, and description of proposed parent, school, and community partnerships. Expenditure and progress reports are also required of all grant recipients after 6, 12, 24, and 36-month periods. Charter schools interested in applying must develop a detailed and research-proven TUPE program. Additional guidance is provided at www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/at/tupefunding.asp. All interested applicants should contact their county TUPE coordinator for more information. A listing of TUPE coordinators can be found on the program RFA.

Past applications were due in NOVEMBER. Program questions should be directed to John Lagomarsino at jlagomarsino@cde.ca.gov or 916-323-1540. The RFA and additional information can be found at www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/at/tupeoverview.asp.

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Title II, Part D, Enhancing Education Through Technology
This program provides formula-based grants for schools serving grades K-12 to help improve student achievement through the use of technology. Grant recipients are required to spend 25% of the funding on professional development related to the use of advanced technologies in curricula and instruction. Software programs purchased with program funds must be part of a state-adopted program. Other approved software programs may be reviewed by the California Learning Resources Network and must also be consistent with state board adopted content standards. More information is available at www.clrn.org.

Charter schools must receive Title I, Part A funding directly or indirectly to be eligible for Title II, Part D funding. Directly funded charter schools that will apply for Title I, Part A funds may apply directly for Title II, Part D funding. Charter schools not receiving Title I, Part A funding directly may still apply for Title II, Part D funding if they apply as part of a consortium or LEA that does receive Title I, Part A funding. Locally funded charter schools interested in this program should contact their charter authorizer. Applicants are also required to have a technology plan approved by the California Department of Education. More information regarding technology plans can be found at www.cde.ca.gov/ls/et/ft/eettfortechplans.asp. Education guidelines for district technology plans are available at www.cde.ca.gov/ls/et/ft/documents/edtechplan.pdf. California Technology Assistance Project Directors are available to assist specific regions. Regional directors are listed at www.cde.ca.gov/ls/et/rs/ctapdirectors.asp.

Funding amounts are estimated based on the school’s proportionate share of Title I, Part A funding. Last year, there were 135 California charter school recipients with funding amounts ranging from approximately $200 to $23,400 per school. For a comprehensive list of last year’s charter school recipients, visit www.cde.ca.gov/ls/et/ft/eett.asp. With the requirement to complete a comprehensive technology plan, some schools may find this application daunting. Additional funding restrictions on certain software programs may also deter some schools from applying. Prospective applicants should balance their proposed funding entitlements with the level of work required to complete the application.

Past application deadlines occurred in NOVEMBER. A detailed grant review and funding disbursement schedule is available in the RFA. The past RFA is available at www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r5/eettc06rfa.asp. Please direct questions regarding this program to Julie Baltazar at jbaltazar@cde.ca.gov or 916-323-5112 .

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2004-2005 Consolidated Application (ConApp) Part II
Directly-funded charter schools are required to go through the ConApp process to receive No Child Left Behind (NCLB) funding. NCLB funding includes all of the "Title" programs, e.g., Title I, and is a major funding source for many charter schools. Locally-funded charter schools do not have to submit their own ConApp application; instead, they should contact their district's ConApp coordinator to ensure that the charter school's information will be included on the district's own ConApp and that the charter school will receive its appropriate share of NCLB funding via the district.

Part I of the ConApp is typically due in June. Part I of the application documents participation in categorical programs and provides assurances that the charter school will comply with the legal requirements of each program. Part II of the application contains the charter school's entitlements for each funded program. Part II of the ConApp is typically due in JANUARY. Program questions should be directed to Anne Daniels at adaniels@cde.ca.gov or 916-319-0295. For general ConApp information, visit: www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/ca/ and www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r5/ca05rfa.asp.

Other relevant links:
LEA Plans: www.cde.ca.gov/nclb/sr/le/
NCLB: www.cde.ca.gov/nclb/index.asp
Title I school-wide or targeted assistance plans: www.cde.ca.gov/sp/sw/
CADS Software System: www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r5/ca04rfa.asp

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Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)
GEAR UP supports organizations that implement effective early college preparation and awareness activities for low income students. Eligible applicants include (1) a state, or (2) a partnership consisting of (A) one or more LEA or direct-funded charter school, (B) one or more higher education institution, and (C) at least two community organizations such as businesses, professional associations, community-based organizations, etc.

Charter schools interested in applying through a partnership should carefully select each partner for their potential to make substantive collaborative contributions to a comprehensive program that will enable low-income students to stay in school, take appropriate coursework, and go to college. Partnership grants are required to promote rigorous academic coursework based on college entrance requirements, work with a whole grade level of students in order to raise expectations for all students, start with students no later than the 7th grade, follow those students through high school graduation, and inform students and parents about college options and financial aid.

Application scoring will be based on: 1) The need for the project; 2) The quality of project services; 3) The quality of project personnel; 4) The quality of the management plan; 5) The quality of the project evaluation; and 6) The adequacy of project resources. Each application must include a budget justification, as well as a narrative for each budget line item. Additional details on scoring and budget guidelines are available at the website noted below.

Approximately $113,189,000 in funding is available for an estimated 226 new partnership grants, with partnership awards ranging from $100,000 to $700,000 per year. Project periods may last up to 6 years. Partnership grant proposals must not exceed $800 per student for a single annual budget period, and must not show budget increases after the first 12-month budget period. Additional program information is available at www.ed.gov/programs/gearup/index.html. The application, technical assistance, and detailed information about the scoring process are available for download at www.ed.gov/programs/gearup/applicant.html. Applications must be submitted electronically through the e-GRANTS system at http://e-grants.ed.gov. Applications are typically available in the Winter and due in the Spring. Program questions may be directed to Angela Oliphant at 202-502-7676 or angela.oliphant@ed.gov .

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Improving Literacy Through School Libraries (LSL) Program
The U.S. Department of Education's Improving Literacy Through School Libraries (LSL) Program focuses on providing funding to public school libraries in LEAs with 20 percent or more family poverty. Funds are used to improve reading achievement through updating the library collection, expanding internet connections, purchasing new technology, providing professional development for library media specialists, and extending school library hours.

Direct funded charter schools are eligible to apply directly and must include information on their LEA designation in the abstract of their application.

Applicants must use the Department's electronic applications system to apply. The LSL program application is available through the Grants.gov website http://Grants.gov. The site also includes a demo to assist new users with the application. You must be registered with Grants.gov by April 4, 2006 in order to apply. Registration takes approximately 1 week. The site will ask for the program’s CFDA number, which is 84.364A.

The 2006 LSL program applications were due in APRIL 2006. Approximately 19 million dollars was available for funding, and an estimated 100 grants were to be awarded under this competition. Awards range from $30,000 to $300,000, with an average grant award of $190,000.

More information about this program, including the full application package, can be found on the program's website www.ed.gov/programs/lsl. Program and application questions may be directed to Irene Harwarth 202-401-3751 or Irene.Harwarth@ed.gov.

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Charter School Revolving Loan Fund
Low interest loans are offered through the California Department of Education’s Charter School Revolving Loan Fund. The maximum loan amount is $250,000, and the maximum repayment period is 5 years. All charter schools except for conversion schools or schools that have already been renewed are eligible to apply for funds. Loan funds may be used to help charter schools reach the goals stated in their charter. Allowable expenditures may include, but are not limited to, facilities lease payments, facilities improvements, instructional materials and equipment, and program expansion.

Previous applications are available at www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r1/csrevloan05rfa.asp. Program questions may be directed to Jacqueline Henderson at 916-324-7139 or jhenders@cde.ca.gov. The application deadline for the 2005-2006 loan cycle was APRIL 30, 2006. The next cycle is expected to mirror the 2006 timeline, with an application period from JULY 2006 through APRIL 2007. For more details about the Charter School Revolving Loan Fund, including fund restrictions, review criteria, repayment processes, and more, contact us at 916-278-6069 or CSDC@chartercenter.org.

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Fundraising

Other Charter School Fundraising Strategies
Several charter schools have successfully raised funds through a variety of grassroots fundraising efforts. Some schools have effectively launched individual donor campaigns, targeting parents, local community members, and other key stakeholders. For more detailed information about individual donor campaigns, including donor stages and campaign methods, please contact us at 916-278-6069 or CSDC@chartercenter.org (this information is only available to CSDC's Information Services subscribers). Other schools have hosted special events, from large auction galas to small bake sales. Still other charter schools have created endowments. For examples of creative charter school fundraising strategies, contact us at 916-278-6069 or CSDC@chartercenter.org (this information is only available to CSDC's Information Services subscribers).

For all charter schools, a high level of parent involvement is critical and highly recommended to help raise funds. Parents can play a large role as both donors as well as volunteers, doing much of the “heavy lifting” in terms of asking for money and/or event planning.

In addition to raising financial resources, other resources (such as gifts in-kind or volunteers) can also prove to save both time and money for charter schools. Several corporations provide in-kind giving programs for items such as computers, supplies, and other products. You may also consider creating partnerships with local organizations, providing them with volunteer opportunities that can benefit your students, such as mentorship and internship programs. Local community organizations providing various youth services can also provide valuable resources, such as after school programs. For several schools, community partnerships can help save a significant amount of funds by providing programs through local organizations rather than directly through the school.

For more information about fundraising strategies for charter schools, see the Spring 2003 issue of Charter Currents. For advanced charter school fundraising topics, please contact us at 916-278-6069 or CSDC@chartercenter.org (this information is only available to CSDC's Information Services subscribers).

An additional fundraising resource for charter schools is The Green Book©, an interactive fundraising website designed to help charter and other public schools gain improved access to grants and other funding opportunities. The Green Book was created by the Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center, Inc. (AAEC), which operates four public charter schools in Arizona. Website membership is free. For more details, visit www.gbgm.info.

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Financing

Charter School Revolving Loan Fund
Low interest loans are offered through the California Department of Education’s Charter School Revolving Loan Fund. The maximum loan amount is $250,000, and the maximum repayment period is 5 years. All charter schools except for conversion schools or schools that have already been renewed are eligible to apply for funds. Loan funds may be used to help charter schools reach the goals stated in their charter. Allowable expenditures may include, but are not limited to, facilities lease payments, facilities improvements, instructional materials and equipment, and program expansion. For more details about the Charter School Revolving Loan Fund, including fund restrictions, review criteria, repayment processes, and more, contact us at 916-278-6069 or CSDC@chartercenter.org (this information is only available to CSDC's Information Services subscribers).

Other Financing Options
Various other financing sources are typically accessed to help support facilities development or expansion. These options include low interest loans, note financing, and bond financing. Details will be posted soon.

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