The 2024-25 Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCSGP) Waiver Entry Start-Up Sub-Grant is a federally funded discretionary grant administered by the Charter Schools Division to support the development and initial operations of new, converting, or expanding charter schools. This grant is exclusively available to eligible subgrantees from California's 2020 Charter Schools Program (CSP) grant who still have remaining time and funds available. Applicants must meet all the requirements outlined in the Request for Applications (RFA) and continue to meet the federal definition of a "charter school" as described under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), Section 4310(2).
Eligible applicants are nonprofit entities or Local Education Agencies (LEAs) operating within California. For-profit entities and individuals are not eligible to apply. The grant supports projects serving grade levels from kindergarten through 12th grade, with no specific age-level restrictions. To qualify, applicants must ensure that their proposed activities align with the program's intent to assist in the start-up and expansion of charter schools.
The program is authorized under Title IV, Part C of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). A total of $3,500,000 in federal grant funds is available, with allocation determined by the remaining balances of the 2020 CSP awards. There is no match requirement for this funding, and the allocation formula is not specified.
The application process opens on December 5, 2024, with submissions due by January 13, 2025. Applicants will be notified of their funding status by January 27, 2025. Detailed instructions and requirements can be found in the RFA document, which outlines the submission process, eligibility criteria, and allowed uses of funds.
For additional support, program-related inquiries can be directed to Alison Ball at 916-319-0222 or via email at aball@cde.ca.gov. Fiscal questions should be directed to Tamie Thompson at 916-319-0293 or tthompson@cde.ca.gov. General inquiries can also be addressed to the Charter School Division at 916-322-6029. This grant offers charter schools a critical opportunity to secure funding to support their foundational stages and expansion efforts.
