Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Charter Schools Program (CSP): CSP Developer Grants for The Opening of New Charter Schools

The Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP) Developer Grants are administered by the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education. This discretionary grant program supports the development, replication, and expansion of high-quality charter schools. The program specifically targets states that do not have a current Charter Schools Program (CSP) State Entity grant. These grants aim to improve educational options for families and students and to promote innovative educational practices. Applicants can apply under two categories: one for opening new charter schools and the other for replicating or expanding high-quality charter schools. Grants are available for nonprofit developers that have applied to an authorized public chartering authority and have given adequate notice to this authority. Eligible applicants must propose charter schools located in states with statutes authorizing charter schools and that do not currently hold CSP State Entity grants. The Department has explicitly excluded applicants from 28 states where such grants are active. Applications open on May 15, 2025, and the submission deadline is June 30, 2025. There is a deadline for intergovernmental review set for September 8, 2025. A pre-application webinar will be offered for technical assistance, with information available on the Department’s CSP grant webpage. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and must comply with the common instructions for discretionary grant programs. Funding for this grant is estimated at $5,000,000, with anticipated award sizes ranging from $250,000 to $400,000 per year over a project period of up to five years. A maximum award amount of $2,000,000 may be allocated per charter school. The grant can be used for planning, personnel, training, equipment, minor renovations, transportation, and other appropriate startup costs. However, recipients may not use the funds for costs that could be covered by other sources or that duplicate previously awarded CSP grants. Evaluation criteria include the quality of project design, adequacy of resources, the applicant’s management plan, and a continuation plan to sustain the school post-grant. Applications must address all required elements, including logic models, budget narratives, educational programming, student recruitment strategies, and compliance with Title IX if applicable. Grantees must also attend annual project director meetings and participate in technical assistance sessions. The main contact for further information is Stephanie S. Jones, reachable at [email protected] or (202) 453–7835.