Conventional public schools secure nearly all funding for developing facilities from dedicated government sources. Nationally, about 82% of capital costs for facilities comes from local governments, such as school districts, and 18% comes from state governments (USDE, NCSRC, 2020). Conversely, public charter schools typically lack adequate state and local funding for facilities capital costs. Filling in the funding gap are various federal and local government programs, philanthropic sources, and financing options. This area of the NISN Resource Hub includes information on types of facility funding sources.
Navigating Resources
- Facilities Funding Sources
This training resource explains funding sources used by charter schools for facilities projects including capital funds, grants, loans, loan guarantees, bonds, and more. There is a section specifically on Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which have been especially important in financing charter school capital projects. Information on specific CDFIs can be found in the Finding Funding for Facilities searchable directory and in the Technical Assistance Directory. This resource is relevant to school and community leaders involved in planning and securing funding for school capital development projects.
- Grant Funder Types
This reference document includes characteristics of four common grant making entities: public foundations, private foundations, government agencies, and corporations. While individual funders vary, these profiles can help school leaders better understand what types of grantors may be more suited to particular projects and what the application and granting process may entail. This resource is relevant to educational and community leaders that pursue grants for facilities or programming.
- Moolah for Facilities
This article from Amaktoolik Studios discusses facilities funding and strategic partnerships for planning and construction. Highlighted is the urgency and availability of new government funding streams and increased access to existing funding streams, related to COVID-19 legislation.