What's New
Call for Peer Reviewers
The CSP Division seeks individuals from various educational backgrounds, professions, and regions to serve as peer reviewers to assess fiscal year (FY) 2026 State Entities (SE) Grant Program Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.282A applications. The peer review process is designed to identify and fund the highest quality applications and to create opportunities for the general public to participate in government and gain insight into the federal funding process.
For more information, please review the Call for Peer Reviewers.
Announcing the FY 2026 SE Grant Competition
On April 16, 2026, the U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Labor (DOL) announced the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP) - Grants to State Entities (SE Grants) competition.
For more information, please visit the Applicant Info tab.
Program Description
The CSP State Entities Program plays a critical role in guaranteeing high-quality school options are available for students and families each year. The CSP State Entities program is authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (20 U.S.C. 7221-7221j). Prior to enactment of the ESSA, the ESEA, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), authorized the Secretary to make awards to State educational agencies to enable them to conduct charter school subgrant programs in their States. The CSP State Entities program is under new law and has different eligibility requirements, priorities, definitions, application requirements, and selection criteria.
The CSP grants to State Entities (84.282A) is a competitive grant program that enables State entities to award subgrants to eligible applicants in their State to open and prepare for the operation of new charter schools and to replicate and expand high-quality charter schools. Grant funds must also be used by the State entity to provide technical assistance to eligible applicants and authorized public chartering agencies in opening and preparing for the operation of new charter schools, or replicating or expanding high-quality charter schools; and to work with authorized public chartering agencies to improve authorizing quality, including developing capacity for, and conducting, fiscal oversight and auditing of charter schools.
This program ensures that children in our Nation receive an education that best fits their unique needs, enabling them to learn, grow, and thrive, regardless of income or zip code.
FY 2026 Applicant Information
The Application Notice and Instructions (ANI) for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP) - Grants to State Entities (SE Grant) was published on Grants.gov on April 16, 2026. The deadline for submission of a grant application under this competition is 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on June 18, 2026.
FY 2026 Competition Timeline
- Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 18, 2026
- Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 18, 2026
FY 2026 Competition Information
Pre-Application Technical Assistance
FY 2026 Pre-Application Webinar – State Entity Grant FY 2026 Competition Overview
This webinar will be held on May 7, 2026, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern time (ET). During the webinar the U.S. Department of Education (ED) will review the competition eligibility requirements, priorities, selection criteria, and application requirements. ED staff will also answer participants' questions during the webinar.
FY 2026 Pre-Application Webinar – Developing the SE Grantee Project Budget
This webinar will be held on May 13, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET and is designed to help potential applicants prepare their CSP SE Grant proposal budget. Common budget pitfalls; CSP's budget review process; and administration, technical assistance, and subgrant set aside funding will be covered in this webinar. ED staff will also answer participants' questions.
Coming Soon
- FY 2026 Pre-Application Resource – Assessing Organizational Readiness: These slides are designed to help potential applicants assess their operational readiness.
- FY 2026 Pre-Application Resource – Using Technical Assistance Set-Aside Funds on High-Impact Activities: These slides are designed to help potential applicants develop a TA plan that supports their proposed project.
- FY 2026 Pre-Application Resource – Logic Models and Performance Measures: These slides are designed to help potential applicants create a logic model and develop SMART performance measures.
- FY 2026 Pre-Application Pre-Recorded Webinar – Submitting Your CSP Grant Application in Grants.gov: This pre-recorded webinar is designed to provide potential applicants with an overview of how to submit your application on Grants.gov, including a review of the steps required to complete the Grants.gov registration process.
Application Package and Submission
- SE Application Package Instructions: Please note this is an electronic copy for you to download and use as a guide only.
- Applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov system.
- Please do not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to U.S. Department of Education staff.
Hard Copy Applications
For hard copy application packages, contact SE_Competition@ed.gov or 202-245-8003.
Required Application Forms
Note: The forms listed below are in the electronic application package on Grants.gov. The following is a list of the required forms that must be completed, examples of which can be found on Grants.gov and on ED.gov.
- Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
- Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)
- Budget Narrative Attachment Form
- Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)
- ED Abstract Form
- ED SF-424 Supplement
- Grant Application Form for Project Objectives and Performance Measures Information
- Other Attachments Form
- Project Narrative Attachment Form
- Grants.gov Lobbying Form
Registering on Grants.gov and SAM.gov
- REGISTER EARLY - Grants.gov registration involves many steps, including registration on SAM (SAM.gov) which usually takes approximately 7-10 business days for approval but can take longer depending on the completeness and accuracy of the data entered into the SAM database by an applicant.
- You may begin working on your application while completing the registration process, but you cannot submit an application until all of the registration steps are complete.
- Please note that once your SAM registration is active, it will take 24-48 hours for the information to be available in Grants.gov thus allowing you to submit an application through Grants.gov.
- Grantees and other entities seeking to do business with the U.S. Department of Education (e.g., entities applying for a grant), that are not already registered in SAM.gov must complete the "Register Entity" registration option and NOT the "Get a Unique Entity ID" option. The "Get a Unique Entity ID" option, which is not a full registration, is only available to entities for reporting purposes. Failing to complete the "Register Entity" option may result in loss of funding, loss of applicant eligibility, and/or delays in receiving a grant award.
- Information about SAM is available at SAM.gov. To further assist you with registering in SAM or updating your existing SAM registration, see the Guidance for Federal Assistance Applicants and the Entity Registration Video.
FY 2026 CSP SE Grant Eligibility Information
States with Active CSP SE Grants: States in which a State entity currently has an approved CSP SE grant application under section 4303 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESEA), that is actively running subgrant competitions are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. We will not consider applications from these states.
Eligibility
State entities with a state statute specifically authorizing the establishment of charter schools were eligible to apply. Under section 4303(e)(1) of the ESEA, no State entity may receive a grant under this program for use in a State in which a State entity is currently using a grant received under this program.
State entity means:
- A State educational agency;
- A State charter school board;
- A Governor of a State; or
- A charter school support organization.
Eligible applicant, when used with respect to subgrants made by a State entity, means a developer that has:
- applied to an authorized public chartering authority to operate a charter school; and
- provided adequate and timely notice to that authority.
Funding Restrictions:
A State entity receiving a grant under this program shall:
- Use not less than 90 percent of the grant funds to award subgrants to eligible applicants for activities related to opening and preparing for the operation of new charter school or to replicate or expand high-quality charter schools;
- Reserve not less than seven percent of funds to provide technical assistance to eligible applicants and authorized public chartering agencies in opening and preparing for the operation of new charter schools or to replicate or expand high-quality charter schools and in improving authorizing quality, including developing capacity for, and conducting, fiscal oversight and auditing of charter schools; and
- Reserve not more than three percent of funds for administrative costs, which may include technical assistance.
Point of Clarification: Administrative costs and technical assistance costs combined cannot exceed 10% due to the "no less than 90%" subgrant requirement. However, technical assistance must be not less than seven percent and administrative costs can be no more than three percent.
Note: A charter school developer in a State in which no State entity has an application for a grant approved under ALN 84.282A (State entities program or previously State Educational Agencies program) may apply for funding directly from the Department under the CSP Developers Grants competitions. Additional information about the CSP Developers Grants competitions is available at here.
Previous Competition
FY 2025 Applicant Information
The Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP) — Grants to State Entities (SE Grant) was published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2025. The deadline for submission of a grant application under this competition was 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on June 9, 2025.
FY 2025 CSP SE Notice Inviting Applications
Posted in the Federal Register on May 9, 2025 PDF | HTML
FY 2025 Competition Timeline
- Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 9, 2025
- Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 7, 2025
FY 2025 Competition Information
Pre-Application Technical Assistance Webinars:
- FY 2025 Pre-Application Webinar – State Entity Grant Competition Overview: This webinar was held on May 19, 2025, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. ET. During the webinar the U.S. Department of Education (Department) reviewed the competition eligibility requirements, priorities, selection criteria, and application requirements. The Department also reviewed the steps required to complete the Grants.gov registration process and answer participants' questions.
- FY 2025 Pre-Application Webinar – Developing the SE Grant Project Budget: This webinar was held on May 22, 2025, from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. ET and was designed to help potential applicants prepare their CSP SE Grant proposal budget. Common budget pitfalls, CSP's budget review process and administration, technical assistance, and subgrant set aside funding were covered in this webinar.
- FY 2025 Pre-Application Webinar - Submitting Your CSP Grant Application: This pre-recorded webinar is designed to provide potential applicants with an overview of how to submit your application on Grants.gov.
- FY 2025 Pre-Application Resource – Assessing Organizational Readiness for the SE Grant: These slides are designed to help potential applicants assess their operational readiness.
- FY 2025 Pre-Application Resource – Using Technical Assistance Set Aside Funds on High-Impact Activities: These slides are designed to help potential applicants develop a TA plan that supports their proposed project.
- FY 2025 Pre-Application Resource – Logic Models and SMART Performance Measures: This pre-recorded webinar is designed to help potential applicants create a logic model and develop SMART performance measures.
FY 2025 CSP SE Grant Eligibility Information
States with Active CSP SE Grants: States in which a State entity currently has an approved CSP SE grant application under section 4303 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESEA), that is actively running subgrant competitions are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. We will not consider applications from these states.
Funding
Included in the chart below is the amount of CSP State Entities funding per fiscal year since FY 2017.
| Fiscal Year (FY) | Funding for New Awards* | Funding for Continuation Awards* |
| FY 2025 | $143,111,224 | $117,086,497 |
| FY 2024 | $143,009,209 | $152,367,956 |
| FY 2023 | $147,312,186 | $39,173,918 |
| FY 2022 | $60,202,659 | $154,894,184 |
| FY 2021 | $0 | $220,842,582 |
| FY 2020 | $81,696,397 | $132,251,030 |
| FY 2019 | $25,840,123 | $190,756,628 |
| FY 2018 | $77,790,768 | $120,005,992 |
| FY 2017 | $144,680,792 | $17,864,270 |
*New Awards and Continuation Awards include supplemental and forward funding when applicable.
Legislation
- Title IV, Part C of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Section 4301 - 4311 (20 U.S.C. 7221-7221j)
- Charter School Program Assurances Grants to State Entities
Regulations
- 2022 Final Priorities, Requirements, Definitions, and Selection Criteria-Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP)-Grants to State Entities (State Entity Grants); Grants to Charter Management Organizations for the Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools (CMO Grants); and Grants to Charter School Developers for the Opening of New Charter Schools and for the Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools (Developer Grants) (87 FR 40406)
- 2015 Notice of Final Priorities, Requirements, Definitions, and Selection Criteria; Charter Schools Program Grants to State Educational Agencies (80 FR 34201)
- Education Department General Administrative Regulations
- Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200)
- Uniform Guidance Technical Assistance for Grantees
Guidance
Nonregulatory Guidance
- ESSA Flexibility Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (December 2017)
- ESSA Flexibility Webinar Slides
- Dear Colleague Letter — ESSA flexibilities for CSP Grantees (November 2017)
- Dear Colleague Letter — Guidance Regarding the Oversight of Charter Schools Program and Regulatory Requirements, Including the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (August 2016)
- Charter Schools Program Nonregulatory Guidance (updated January 2014)
- School Climate and Discipline Resources
- Title I Requirements on Charter Schools Non-Regulatory Guidance (July 2004)
- Allocating Funds to Charter Schools (December 2000)
Application Guidance
Notices Inviting Applications (NIAs) and Application Notices and Instructions (ANIs) – State Entity Grants
For the most up-to-date information on this grant program and any future or current notices, please continue to check our website and search for current opportunities, and/or register for alerts for Grants.gov (search ALN 84.282).
Included below is information regarding the new awards under the CSP Grants to State Entities Program made in each fiscal year since
| Fiscal Year (FY) | Number of New Awards |
| FY 2025 | 6 |
| FY 2024 | 6 |
| FY 2023 | 10 |
| FY 2022 | 6 |
| FY 2020 | 8 |
| FY 2019 | 3 |
| FY 2018 | 8 |
| FY 2017 | 9 |
- Information regarding the funding request (broken down by year) for the FY 2024 grantees
- Information regarding the funding request (broken down by year) for the FY 2023 grantees
- Information regarding the funding request (broken down by year) for the FY 2022 grantees
- Information regarding the funding request (broken down by year) for the FY 2020 grantees
- Information regarding the funding request (broken down by year) for the FY 2019 grantees
- Information regarding the funding request (broken down by year) for the FY 2018 grantees
- Information regarding the funding request (broken down by year) for the FY 2017 grantees
Below is information regarding grantees under this program.
| Fiscal Year Awarded | Grantee | State | Total Expected Funding |
| 2025 | Opportunity 180 | Nevada | $50,869,595 |
| 2025 | Department of Education Iowa | Iowa | $43,285,068 |
| 2025 | Ohio Department of Education | Ohio | $55,555,556 |
| 2025 | AR Public School Resource Center | Arkansas | $61,111,111 |
| 2025 | North Carolina Alliance for Public Charter Schools | North Carolina | $52,995,683 |
| 2025 | Alabama Public Charter School Commission | Alabama | $29,964,656 |
Awards Table Instructions: Please use the scroll bar at the bottom of the Awards tab to view the entire Awards table.
Funded FY 2024 Applications
| Grantee | Project Title | Duration (Years) | Amount Available for Year 1 Activities | Total Funding (for Year 1 and Year 2 Activities) | Total Expected Funding | City | State | Score | Files |
| California Department of Education | California Public Charter School Grant Program (PCSGP) | 5 | $15,275,765 | $24,691,396 | $93,777,778 | Sacramento | CA | 108.61 | Application |
| Colorado League of Charter Schools | Great Schools Colorado CSP Project | 5 | $17,702,194 | $30,255,525 | $68,146,405 | Denver | CO | 108.00 | |
| New York State Education Department | New York State Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grant Project | 5 | $40,110,061 | $50,072,285 | $121,342,222 | Albany | NY | 98.00 | |
| Utah Association of Public Charter Schools | Utah Charter Schools Program (USCP) Grant Project | 5 | $6,822,374 | $15,610,529 | $44,444,445 | American Fork | UT | 97.67 | |
| Arizona Department of Education | Arizona Charter Schools Program State Entity Application | 5 | $8,689,822 | $17,359,475 | $34,855,500 | Phoenix | AZ | 90.00 | |
| Rhode Island Department of Education | Rhode Island Charter Schools Program (RICSP) | 5 | $1,760,000 | $5,019,999 | $14,300,000 | Providence | RI | 90.00 |
Funded FY 2023 Applications
| Grantee | Project Title | Duration (Years) | Amount Available for Year 1 Activities | Total Funding (for Year 1 and Year 2 Activities) | Total Expected Funding | City | State | Score | Files |
| The Opportunity Trust | Missouri (CSP-MO) | 5 | $15,555,556 | $22,222,223 | $35,555,557 | Saint Louis | MO | 108.33 | |
| State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction | State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Grant Project | 5 | $20,941,075 | $34,921,524 | $58,000,000 | Madison | WI | 97.67 | |
| Indiana Department of Education | Quality Counts II | 5 | $21,822,744 | $45,695,745 | $109,740,731 | Indianapolis | IN | 95.33 | |
| Louisiana Department of Education | Louisiana Public Charter Schools Program Grant Project | 5 | $4,444,445 | $17,777,778 | $55,555,555 | Baton Rouge | LA | 94.67 | |
| West Virginia Professional Charter School Board | West Virginia Professional Charter School Board | 5 | $3,112,213 | $4,627,359 | $12,382,792 | Charleston | WV | 91.67 | |
| Maryland Alliance of Public Charter Schools. Inc. | The Maryland Momentum Project | 5 | $4,180,024 | $7,099,318 | $28,720,811 | Baltimore | MD | 91.67 | |
| Public Charter Schools of New Mexico | Public Charter Schools of New Mexico | 5 | $7,838,740 | $20,808,680 | $52,777,778 | Albuquerque | NM | 88.67 | |
| Minnesota Department of Education | Minnesota Charter Schools Program Grant Project | 5 | $7,953,420 | $17,076,479 | $37,579,122 | Minneapolis | MN | 88.00 | |
| Oklahoma Public School Resource Center Inc | Oklahoma Public School Resource Center Charter Schools Program Grant | 5 | $10,958,500 | $21,979,896 | $55,141,012 | Oklahoma City | OK | 87.33 | |
| Bluum, Inc. | Building on Success for Future Excellence | 5 | $5,273,200 | $12,693,400 | $24,878,000 | Boise | ID | 84.67 |
Funded FY 2022 Applications
| Grantee | Project Title | Duration (Years) | Amount Available for Year 1 Activities | Total Funding (for Year 1 and Year 2 Activities) | Total Expected Funding | City | State | Score | Files |
| Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education | Massachusetts Charter Schools Program (CSP) Project 2023 — 2028 | 5 | $2,221,661 | $4,537,287 | $11,389,000 | Malden | MA | 102.00 | |
| Mississippi First, Inc. | Doubling Mississippi's High-Quality Charter School Sector in Five Years | 5 | $4,333,333 | $7,666,665 | $19,333,333 | Jackson | MS | 99.33 | |
| State Charter Schools Foundation of Georgia, Inc | Georgia Strategic Charter School Growth Initiative | 5 | $6,581,013 | $13,950,052 | $38,295,000 | Atlanta | GA | 98.33 | |
| Illinois Network of Charter Schools | Illinois Impact Initiative: Creating and expanding high-quality educational opportunities for Illinois' most underserved students and communities. | 5 | $4,388,944 | $8,856,020 | $25,000,000 | Chicago | IL | 96.33 | |
| Tennessee Department of Education | Tennessee Charter School Program Project | 5 | $7,938,018 | $15,870,670 | $24,668,630 | Nashville | TN | 96.00 | |
| Northeast Charter Schools Network, Inc. | Great Schools for Connecticut CSP Project | 5 | $3,439,894 | $9,321,965 | $24,486,941 | New Haven* | CT* | 93.00 |
*The city and state reflect where the grantee is operating.
Funded FY 2020 Applications
| Grantee | Project Title | Duration (Years) | Amount Available for Year 1 Activities | Total Funding (for Year 1 and Year 2 Activities) | Total Expected Funding | City | State | Score | Files |
| New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association | New Jersey Charter Schools Program State Entities Grant (Project Cultivate 38) | 5 | $13,878,540 | $15,764,45 | $63,232,945 | Hamilton | NJ | 117.67 | |
| Florida Department of Education | Florida 2016 CSP Grant Application -- Revised | 5 | $15,666,669 | $18,330,002 | $78,333,333 | Tallahassee | FL | 113.67 | |
| CA Department of Education for the State Board of Education | California Public Charter School Grant Program | 3 | $7,777,776 | $9,761,110 | $41,666,667 | Sacramento | CA | 113.33 | |
| Office of the State Superintendent of Education | 2020 Charter Schools Program Grant to Increase the Number of High-Quality Charter Seats in DC and Improve Subgrantee and Authorizer Performance | 5 | $3,364,400 | $4,250,848 | $24,222,000 | Washington | DC | 110.00 | |
| South Carolina Department of Education | South Carolina Quality Charter Schools | 5 | $433,846 | $1,911,781 | $31,553,991 | Columbia | SC | 104.33 | |
| Opportunity 180 | Great Schools for Nevada CSP Grant and Program | 5 | $3,244,443 | $4,189,643 | $22,755,555 | Las Vegas | NV | 103.33 | |
| Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools | Pennsylvania CSP Grant Program | 5 | $3,666,667 | $4,403,334 | $30,000,000 | Glenside | PA | 101.67 | |
| Texas Education Agency | Texas Quality Charter Schools Program Grant | 5 | $20,000,000 | $23,085,229 | $100,000,000 | Austin | TX | 101.33 |
Funded FY 2019 Applications
| Grantee | Project Title | Duration (Years) | Amount Available for Year 1 Activities | Total Funding (for Year 1 and Year 2 Activities) | Total Expected Funding | City | State | Score | Files |
| Alabama Coalition for Public Charter Schools | New Schools for Alabama CSP Grant to award startup funding and provide support services to high quality | 5 | $5,000,000 | $10,000,000 | $25,000,000 | Birmingham | AL | 107.33 | |
| The New Hampshire Department of Education | NH 2019 Charter Schools Program Grant Application | 5 | $3,309,873 | $10,114,548 | $46,000,000 | Concord | NH | 87.33 | |
| Washington State Charter Schools Association | Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program Grants to State Entities FY19 | 5 | $1,786,360 | $5,725,575 | $19,960,625 | Seattle | WA | 100.33 |
What's New
Call for Peer Reviewers
The CSP Division seeks individuals from various educational backgrounds, professions, and regions to serve as peer reviewers to assess fiscal year (FY) 2026 State Entities (SE) Grant Program Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.282A applications. The peer review process is designed to identify and fund the highest quality applications and to create opportunities for the general public to participate in government and gain insight into the federal funding process.
For more information, please review the Call for Peer Reviewers.
Announcing the FY 2026 SE Grant Competition
On April 16, 2026, the U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Labor (DOL) announced the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP) - Grants to State Entities (SE Grants) competition.
For more information, please visit the Applicant Info tab.
Program Description
The CSP State Entities Program plays a critical role in guaranteeing high-quality school options are available for students and families each year. The CSP State Entities program is authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (20 U.S.C. 7221-7221j). Prior to enactment of the ESSA, the ESEA, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), authorized the Secretary to make awards to State educational agencies to enable them to conduct charter school subgrant programs in their States. The CSP State Entities program is under new law and has different eligibility requirements, priorities, definitions, application requirements, and selection criteria.
The CSP grants to State Entities (84.282A) is a competitive grant program that enables State entities to award subgrants to eligible applicants in their State to open and prepare for the operation of new charter schools and to replicate and expand high-quality charter schools. Grant funds must also be used by the State entity to provide technical assistance to eligible applicants and authorized public chartering agencies in opening and preparing for the operation of new charter schools, or replicating or expanding high-quality charter schools; and to work with authorized public chartering agencies to improve authorizing quality, including developing capacity for, and conducting, fiscal oversight and auditing of charter schools.
This program ensures that children in our Nation receive an education that best fits their unique needs, enabling them to learn, grow, and thrive, regardless of income or zip code.
FY 2026 Applicant Information
The Application Notice and Instructions (ANI) for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP) - Grants to State Entities (SE Grant) was published on Grants.gov on April 16, 2026. The deadline for submission of a grant application under this competition is 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on June 18, 2026.
FY 2026 Competition Timeline
- Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 18, 2026
- Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 18, 2026
FY 2026 Competition Information
Pre-Application Technical Assistance
FY 2026 Pre-Application Webinar – State Entity Grant FY 2026 Competition Overview
This webinar will be held on May 7, 2026, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern time (ET). During the webinar the U.S. Department of Education (ED) will review the competition eligibility requirements, priorities, selection criteria, and application requirements. ED staff will also answer participants' questions during the webinar.
FY 2026 Pre-Application Webinar – Developing the SE Grantee Project Budget
This webinar will be held on May 13, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET and is designed to help potential applicants prepare their CSP SE Grant proposal budget. Common budget pitfalls; CSP's budget review process; and administration, technical assistance, and subgrant set aside funding will be covered in this webinar. ED staff will also answer participants' questions.
Coming Soon
- FY 2026 Pre-Application Resource – Assessing Organizational Readiness: These slides are designed to help potential applicants assess their operational readiness.
- FY 2026 Pre-Application Resource – Using Technical Assistance Set-Aside Funds on High-Impact Activities: These slides are designed to help potential applicants develop a TA plan that supports their proposed project.
- FY 2026 Pre-Application Resource – Logic Models and Performance Measures: These slides are designed to help potential applicants create a logic model and develop SMART performance measures.
- FY 2026 Pre-Application Pre-Recorded Webinar – Submitting Your CSP Grant Application in Grants.gov: This pre-recorded webinar is designed to provide potential applicants with an overview of how to submit your application on Grants.gov, including a review of the steps required to complete the Grants.gov registration process.
Application Package and Submission
- SE Application Package Instructions: Please note this is an electronic copy for you to download and use as a guide only.
- Applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov system.
- Please do not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to U.S. Department of Education staff.
Hard Copy Applications
For hard copy application packages, contact SE_Competition@ed.gov or 202-245-8003.
Required Application Forms
Note: The forms listed below are in the electronic application package on Grants.gov. The following is a list of the required forms that must be completed, examples of which can be found on Grants.gov and on ED.gov.
- Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
- Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)
- Budget Narrative Attachment Form
- Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)
- ED Abstract Form
- ED SF-424 Supplement
- Grant Application Form for Project Objectives and Performance Measures Information
- Other Attachments Form
- Project Narrative Attachment Form
- Grants.gov Lobbying Form
Registering on Grants.gov and SAM.gov
- REGISTER EARLY - Grants.gov registration involves many steps, including registration on SAM (SAM.gov) which usually takes approximately 7-10 business days for approval but can take longer depending on the completeness and accuracy of the data entered into the SAM database by an applicant.
- You may begin working on your application while completing the registration process, but you cannot submit an application until all of the registration steps are complete.
- Please note that once your SAM registration is active, it will take 24-48 hours for the information to be available in Grants.gov thus allowing you to submit an application through Grants.gov.
- Grantees and other entities seeking to do business with the U.S. Department of Education (e.g., entities applying for a grant), that are not already registered in SAM.gov must complete the "Register Entity" registration option and NOT the "Get a Unique Entity ID" option. The "Get a Unique Entity ID" option, which is not a full registration, is only available to entities for reporting purposes. Failing to complete the "Register Entity" option may result in loss of funding, loss of applicant eligibility, and/or delays in receiving a grant award.
- Information about SAM is available at SAM.gov. To further assist you with registering in SAM or updating your existing SAM registration, see the Guidance for Federal Assistance Applicants and the Entity Registration Video.
FY 2026 CSP SE Grant Eligibility Information
States with Active CSP SE Grants: States in which a State entity currently has an approved CSP SE grant application under section 4303 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESEA), that is actively running subgrant competitions are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. We will not consider applications from these states.
Eligibility
State entities with a state statute specifically authorizing the establishment of charter schools were eligible to apply. Under section 4303(e)(1) of the ESEA, no State entity may receive a grant under this program for use in a State in which a State entity is currently using a grant received under this program.
State entity means:
- A State educational agency;
- A State charter school board;
- A Governor of a State; or
- A charter school support organization.
Eligible applicant, when used with respect to subgrants made by a State entity, means a developer that has:
- applied to an authorized public chartering authority to operate a charter school; and
- provided adequate and timely notice to that authority.
Funding Restrictions:
A State entity receiving a grant under this program shall:
- Use not less than 90 percent of the grant funds to award subgrants to eligible applicants for activities related to opening and preparing for the operation of new charter school or to replicate or expand high-quality charter schools;
- Reserve not less than seven percent of funds to provide technical assistance to eligible applicants and authorized public chartering agencies in opening and preparing for the operation of new charter schools or to replicate or expand high-quality charter schools and in improving authorizing quality, including developing capacity for, and conducting, fiscal oversight and auditing of charter schools; and
- Reserve not more than three percent of funds for administrative costs, which may include technical assistance.
Point of Clarification: Administrative costs and technical assistance costs combined cannot exceed 10% due to the "no less than 90%" subgrant requirement. However, technical assistance must be not less than seven percent and administrative costs can be no more than three percent.
Note: A charter school developer in a State in which no State entity has an application for a grant approved under ALN 84.282A (State entities program or previously State Educational Agencies program) may apply for funding directly from the Department under the CSP Developers Grants competitions. Additional information about the CSP Developers Grants competitions is available at here.
Previous Competition
FY 2025 Applicant Information
The Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP) — Grants to State Entities (SE Grant) was published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2025. The deadline for submission of a grant application under this competition was 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on June 9, 2025.
FY 2025 CSP SE Notice Inviting Applications
Posted in the Federal Register on May 9, 2025 PDF | HTML
FY 2025 Competition Timeline
- Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 9, 2025
- Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: August 7, 2025
FY 2025 Competition Information
Pre-Application Technical Assistance Webinars:
- FY 2025 Pre-Application Webinar – State Entity Grant Competition Overview: This webinar was held on May 19, 2025, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. ET. During the webinar the U.S. Department of Education (Department) reviewed the competition eligibility requirements, priorities, selection criteria, and application requirements. The Department also reviewed the steps required to complete the Grants.gov registration process and answer participants' questions.
- FY 2025 Pre-Application Webinar – Developing the SE Grant Project Budget: This webinar was held on May 22, 2025, from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. ET and was designed to help potential applicants prepare their CSP SE Grant proposal budget. Common budget pitfalls, CSP's budget review process and administration, technical assistance, and subgrant set aside funding were covered in this webinar.
- FY 2025 Pre-Application Webinar - Submitting Your CSP Grant Application: This pre-recorded webinar is designed to provide potential applicants with an overview of how to submit your application on Grants.gov.
- FY 2025 Pre-Application Resource – Assessing Organizational Readiness for the SE Grant: These slides are designed to help potential applicants assess their operational readiness.
- FY 2025 Pre-Application Resource – Using Technical Assistance Set Aside Funds on High-Impact Activities: These slides are designed to help potential applicants develop a TA plan that supports their proposed project.
- FY 2025 Pre-Application Resource – Logic Models and SMART Performance Measures: This pre-recorded webinar is designed to help potential applicants create a logic model and develop SMART performance measures.
FY 2025 CSP SE Grant Eligibility Information
States with Active CSP SE Grants: States in which a State entity currently has an approved CSP SE grant application under section 4303 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESEA), that is actively running subgrant competitions are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. We will not consider applications from these states.
Funding
Included in the chart below is the amount of CSP State Entities funding per fiscal year since FY 2017.
| Fiscal Year (FY) | Funding for New Awards* | Funding for Continuation Awards* |
| FY 2025 | $143,111,224 | $117,086,497 |
| FY 2024 | $143,009,209 | $152,367,956 |
| FY 2023 | $147,312,186 | $39,173,918 |
| FY 2022 | $60,202,659 | $154,894,184 |
| FY 2021 | $0 | $220,842,582 |
| FY 2020 | $81,696,397 | $132,251,030 |
| FY 2019 | $25,840,123 | $190,756,628 |
| FY 2018 | $77,790,768 | $120,005,992 |
| FY 2017 | $144,680,792 | $17,864,270 |
*New Awards and Continuation Awards include supplemental and forward funding when applicable.
Legislation
- Title IV, Part C of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Section 4301 - 4311 (20 U.S.C. 7221-7221j)
- Charter School Program Assurances Grants to State Entities
Regulations
- 2022 Final Priorities, Requirements, Definitions, and Selection Criteria-Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP)-Grants to State Entities (State Entity Grants); Grants to Charter Management Organizations for the Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools (CMO Grants); and Grants to Charter School Developers for the Opening of New Charter Schools and for the Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools (Developer Grants) (87 FR 40406)
- 2015 Notice of Final Priorities, Requirements, Definitions, and Selection Criteria; Charter Schools Program Grants to State Educational Agencies (80 FR 34201)
- Education Department General Administrative Regulations
- Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200)
- Uniform Guidance Technical Assistance for Grantees
Guidance
Nonregulatory Guidance
- ESSA Flexibility Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (December 2017)
- ESSA Flexibility Webinar Slides
- Dear Colleague Letter — ESSA flexibilities for CSP Grantees (November 2017)
- Dear Colleague Letter — Guidance Regarding the Oversight of Charter Schools Program and Regulatory Requirements, Including the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (August 2016)
- Charter Schools Program Nonregulatory Guidance (updated January 2014)
- School Climate and Discipline Resources
- Title I Requirements on Charter Schools Non-Regulatory Guidance (July 2004)
- Allocating Funds to Charter Schools (December 2000)
Application Guidance
Notices Inviting Applications (NIAs) and Application Notices and Instructions (ANIs) – State Entity Grants
For the most up-to-date information on this grant program and any future or current notices, please continue to check our website and search for current opportunities, and/or register for alerts for Grants.gov (search ALN 84.282).
Included below is information regarding the new awards under the CSP Grants to State Entities Program made in each fiscal year since
| Fiscal Year (FY) | Number of New Awards |
| FY 2025 | 6 |
| FY 2024 | 6 |
| FY 2023 | 10 |
| FY 2022 | 6 |
| FY 2020 | 8 |
| FY 2019 | 3 |
| FY 2018 | 8 |
| FY 2017 | 9 |
- Information regarding the funding request (broken down by year) for the FY 2024 grantees
- Information regarding the funding request (broken down by year) for the FY 2023 grantees
- Information regarding the funding request (broken down by year) for the FY 2022 grantees
- Information regarding the funding request (broken down by year) for the FY 2020 grantees
- Information regarding the funding request (broken down by year) for the FY 2019 grantees
- Information regarding the funding request (broken down by year) for the FY 2018 grantees
- Information regarding the funding request (broken down by year) for the FY 2017 grantees
Below is information regarding grantees under this program.
| Fiscal Year Awarded | Grantee | State | Total Expected Funding |
| 2025 | Opportunity 180 | Nevada | $50,869,595 |
| 2025 | Department of Education Iowa | Iowa | $43,285,068 |
| 2025 | Ohio Department of Education | Ohio | $55,555,556 |
| 2025 | AR Public School Resource Center | Arkansas | $61,111,111 |
| 2025 | North Carolina Alliance for Public Charter Schools | North Carolina | $52,995,683 |
| 2025 | Alabama Public Charter School Commission | Alabama | $29,964,656 |
Awards Table Instructions: Please use the scroll bar at the bottom of the Awards tab to view the entire Awards table.
Funded FY 2024 Applications
| Grantee | Project Title | Duration (Years) | Amount Available for Year 1 Activities | Total Funding (for Year 1 and Year 2 Activities) | Total Expected Funding | City | State | Score | Files |
| California Department of Education | California Public Charter School Grant Program (PCSGP) | 5 | $15,275,765 | $24,691,396 | $93,777,778 | Sacramento | CA | 108.61 | Application |
| Colorado League of Charter Schools | Great Schools Colorado CSP Project | 5 | $17,702,194 | $30,255,525 | $68,146,405 | Denver | CO | 108.00 | |
| New York State Education Department | New York State Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grant Project | 5 | $40,110,061 | $50,072,285 | $121,342,222 | Albany | NY | 98.00 | |
| Utah Association of Public Charter Schools | Utah Charter Schools Program (USCP) Grant Project | 5 | $6,822,374 | $15,610,529 | $44,444,445 | American Fork | UT | 97.67 | |
| Arizona Department of Education | Arizona Charter Schools Program State Entity Application | 5 | $8,689,822 | $17,359,475 | $34,855,500 | Phoenix | AZ | 90.00 | |
| Rhode Island Department of Education | Rhode Island Charter Schools Program (RICSP) | 5 | $1,760,000 | $5,019,999 | $14,300,000 | Providence | RI | 90.00 |
Funded FY 2023 Applications
| Grantee | Project Title | Duration (Years) | Amount Available for Year 1 Activities | Total Funding (for Year 1 and Year 2 Activities) | Total Expected Funding | City | State | Score | Files |
| The Opportunity Trust | Missouri (CSP-MO) | 5 | $15,555,556 | $22,222,223 | $35,555,557 | Saint Louis | MO | 108.33 | |
| State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction | State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Grant Project | 5 | $20,941,075 | $34,921,524 | $58,000,000 | Madison | WI | 97.67 | |
| Indiana Department of Education | Quality Counts II | 5 | $21,822,744 | $45,695,745 | $109,740,731 | Indianapolis | IN | 95.33 | |
| Louisiana Department of Education | Louisiana Public Charter Schools Program Grant Project | 5 | $4,444,445 | $17,777,778 | $55,555,555 | Baton Rouge | LA | 94.67 | |
| West Virginia Professional Charter School Board | West Virginia Professional Charter School Board | 5 | $3,112,213 | $4,627,359 | $12,382,792 | Charleston | WV | 91.67 | |
| Maryland Alliance of Public Charter Schools. Inc. | The Maryland Momentum Project | 5 | $4,180,024 | $7,099,318 | $28,720,811 | Baltimore | MD | 91.67 | |
| Public Charter Schools of New Mexico | Public Charter Schools of New Mexico | 5 | $7,838,740 | $20,808,680 | $52,777,778 | Albuquerque | NM | 88.67 | |
| Minnesota Department of Education | Minnesota Charter Schools Program Grant Project | 5 | $7,953,420 | $17,076,479 | $37,579,122 | Minneapolis | MN | 88.00 | |
| Oklahoma Public School Resource Center Inc | Oklahoma Public School Resource Center Charter Schools Program Grant | 5 | $10,958,500 | $21,979,896 | $55,141,012 | Oklahoma City | OK | 87.33 | |
| Bluum, Inc. | Building on Success for Future Excellence | 5 | $5,273,200 | $12,693,400 | $24,878,000 | Boise | ID | 84.67 |
Funded FY 2022 Applications
| Grantee | Project Title | Duration (Years) | Amount Available for Year 1 Activities | Total Funding (for Year 1 and Year 2 Activities) | Total Expected Funding | City | State | Score | Files |
| Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education | Massachusetts Charter Schools Program (CSP) Project 2023 — 2028 | 5 | $2,221,661 | $4,537,287 | $11,389,000 | Malden | MA | 102.00 | |
| Mississippi First, Inc. | Doubling Mississippi's High-Quality Charter School Sector in Five Years | 5 | $4,333,333 | $7,666,665 | $19,333,333 | Jackson | MS | 99.33 | |
| State Charter Schools Foundation of Georgia, Inc | Georgia Strategic Charter School Growth Initiative | 5 | $6,581,013 | $13,950,052 | $38,295,000 | Atlanta | GA | 98.33 | |
| Illinois Network of Charter Schools | Illinois Impact Initiative: Creating and expanding high-quality educational opportunities for Illinois' most underserved students and communities. | 5 | $4,388,944 | $8,856,020 | $25,000,000 | Chicago | IL | 96.33 | |
| Tennessee Department of Education | Tennessee Charter School Program Project | 5 | $7,938,018 | $15,870,670 | $24,668,630 | Nashville | TN | 96.00 | |
| Northeast Charter Schools Network, Inc. | Great Schools for Connecticut CSP Project | 5 | $3,439,894 | $9,321,965 | $24,486,941 | New Haven* | CT* | 93.00 |
*The city and state reflect where the grantee is operating.
Funded FY 2020 Applications
| Grantee | Project Title | Duration (Years) | Amount Available for Year 1 Activities | Total Funding (for Year 1 and Year 2 Activities) | Total Expected Funding | City | State | Score | Files |
| New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association | New Jersey Charter Schools Program State Entities Grant (Project Cultivate 38) | 5 | $13,878,540 | $15,764,45 | $63,232,945 | Hamilton | NJ | 117.67 | |
| Florida Department of Education | Florida 2016 CSP Grant Application -- Revised | 5 | $15,666,669 | $18,330,002 | $78,333,333 | Tallahassee | FL | 113.67 | |
| CA Department of Education for the State Board of Education | California Public Charter School Grant Program | 3 | $7,777,776 | $9,761,110 | $41,666,667 | Sacramento | CA | 113.33 | |
| Office of the State Superintendent of Education | 2020 Charter Schools Program Grant to Increase the Number of High-Quality Charter Seats in DC and Improve Subgrantee and Authorizer Performance | 5 | $3,364,400 | $4,250,848 | $24,222,000 | Washington | DC | 110.00 | |
| South Carolina Department of Education | South Carolina Quality Charter Schools | 5 | $433,846 | $1,911,781 | $31,553,991 | Columbia | SC | 104.33 | |
| Opportunity 180 | Great Schools for Nevada CSP Grant and Program | 5 | $3,244,443 | $4,189,643 | $22,755,555 | Las Vegas | NV | 103.33 | |
| Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools | Pennsylvania CSP Grant Program | 5 | $3,666,667 | $4,403,334 | $30,000,000 | Glenside | PA | 101.67 | |
| Texas Education Agency | Texas Quality Charter Schools Program Grant | 5 | $20,000,000 | $23,085,229 | $100,000,000 | Austin | TX | 101.33 |
Funded FY 2019 Applications
| Grantee | Project Title | Duration (Years) | Amount Available for Year 1 Activities | Total Funding (for Year 1 and Year 2 Activities) | Total Expected Funding | City | State | Score | Files |
| Alabama Coalition for Public Charter Schools | New Schools for Alabama CSP Grant to award startup funding and provide support services to high quality | 5 | $5,000,000 | $10,000,000 | $25,000,000 | Birmingham | AL | 107.33 | |
| The New Hampshire Department of Education | NH 2019 Charter Schools Program Grant Application | 5 | $3,309,873 | $10,114,548 | $46,000,000 | Concord | NH | 87.33 | |
| Washington State Charter Schools Association | Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program Grants to State Entities FY19 | 5 | $1,786,360 | $5,725,575 | $19,960,625 | Seattle | WA | 100.33 |