Charter School Facility Grant Program – (SB740)

The Charter School Facility Grant Program, commonly referred to as the SB740 Program, is administered by the California School Finance Authority (CSFA), an agency within the California State Treasurer’s Office. The program was originally overseen by the California Department of Education but transitioned to CSFA during the 2013-14 fiscal year. Its purpose is to support charter schools across California by offsetting the financial burden associated with leasing or renting educational facilities. Over time, the program has significantly expanded in scale, with funding increasing from $47 million in the 2011-12 cycle to $181.7 million projected for the 2024-25 fiscal year, reflecting the state’s continued investment in charter school infrastructure. The primary objective of the SB740 Program is to provide annual financial assistance to eligible charter schools that serve a high proportion of students from low-income backgrounds. Specifically, eligibility is tied to schools with a significant percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals (FRPM), or those located within public elementary school attendance boundaries that reflect similar socioeconomic demographics. By targeting these populations, the program aims to ensure equitable access to safe and functional educational facilities for underserved communities. Funding provided through the program is intended to reimburse ongoing facility-related costs, particularly rent and lease expenditures. These costs must be associated with the operation of charter school facilities and are subject to program guidelines and reimbursement rules. The program distinguishes between reimbursable lease and rental costs and other facility-related expenses. Notably, recent updates indicate that funding for “other facilities-related costs” may not be available in certain funding cycles, and applicants must closely monitor program announcements to determine eligible expense categories for each year. The application process for the SB740 Program is conducted through an online portal managed by CSFA. For the 2026-27 funding round, the application window opens on April 10, 2026 at 9:00 AM Pacific Time and closes on August 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Applicants are expected to submit required documentation through the portal, including evidence of facility costs and compliance with eligibility criteria. To support applicants, CSFA provides informational webinars covering program eligibility, allowable expenses, regulatory updates, and application procedures. These webinars are optional but serve as valuable guidance for prospective applicants. Evaluation of applications is based on adherence to program requirements, including eligibility thresholds related to student demographics and documentation of qualifying facility expenditures. While specific scoring criteria are not detailed in the provided materials, the emphasis is on compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. Applicants must ensure that all submitted information is accurate and verifiable, as funding is distributed based on documented need and eligibility. The program operates on an annual funding cycle, with new application rounds opening each fiscal year. While the exact award notification timeline is not specified, applicants can anticipate that awards are determined following the close of the application period and subsequent review process. The recurring nature of the program allows charter schools to apply for support each year, contingent on continued eligibility and availability of funding. For inquiries, applicants are directed to contact the program via the official SB740 email address provided by the California State Treasurer’s Office.

Ensure accurate documentation of lease costs and confirm eligibility thresholds related to FRPM student percentages