The California Department of Education (CDE) is offering the 2024-25 Start-Up Subgrant through the Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCSGP), funded by the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP). This funding is designed to support the development, initial operations, replication, and expansion of high-quality charter schools within California. Start-Up Subgrants are divided into four types: Planning, Implementation, Replication, and Expansion.
For Fiscal Year 2024–25, the CDE expects to award approximately nine subgrants, although the number and type of awards may vary based on application demand. The grants aim to foster innovative teaching methods, provide expanded educational choices for students and parents, and offer enhanced support for targeted student groups and programs with high associated costs.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit public agencies operating newly established or conversion charter schools that did not begin serving students prior to July 1, 2023, for Planning, Replication, or Implementation subgrants. Established charter schools that are significantly increasing enrollment or adding grades may apply for Expansion subgrants. Awards will range from approximately $300,000 to $1,900,000, with a total estimated available funding pool of $11,606,165.
The application deadline is June 24, 2025, and awards are expected to be announced by August 1, 2025. The grant period extends for up to 36 months. No letter of intent or matching funds are required. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis and supplemental funding may be available based on demonstrated need. Interested applicants should carefully review the grant guidelines provided on the grantor’s site. For further questions, the PCSGP Office can be contacted at PCSGP@cde.ca.gov or 1-916-322-6029.
