Great Schools Colorado Charter School Program (CSP)

Funder: Colorado League of Charter Schools (administering federal award)

Federal Award: #S282A240003 for $68M-$77M over five years

Geographic Scope: Colorado

Program Purpose:
Designed to increase the number of high-quality charter schools and high-quality charter school seats in Colorado, improve the quality of the charter school sector, and intensify its impact on overall school quality and school improvement across the state.

Funding Details:

• Award Amount: Up to $2,000,000 per subgrantee
• Number of Subgrantees: 6-7 subgrantees per competition cycle
• Funding Period: 5 years (federal award cycle)
• Annual Competition: Yes, with rolling cycles

Recent/Upcoming Cycles:

• 2026-2027 Cycle: RFA held January 21, 2026 (informational session); Seven subgrantees to be funded, each up to $2 million

Contact Information:

• Colorado League of Charter Schools
• 104 N. Broadway, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80203
• [email protected]

Additional Support:

• Technical assistance available through Great Schools Colorado
• Office hours for grant questions and proposal guidance
• Webinars on budget requirements, application process, and post-award compliance

Application Process

Step 1: Attend Informational Session

• Join the Great Schools Colorado (CSP) Grant RFA Informational Session to review eligibility criteria and prepare your application
• Sessions held at various dates; most recent was January 21, 2026

Step 2: Review Eligibility Criteria

• Available on Great Schools Colorado website after informational session
• Eligibility details reviewed during webinar

Step 3: Submit Application

• Applications submitted through Great Schools Colorado website
• RFA application window: April 11 - May 12, 2025 (2025-2026 cycle)

Required Materials:

• Completed Budget Template with detailed budget narrative
• Project goals and implementation plans
• Narrative connecting proposed costs to project objectives

Key Application Components:

• Budget planning aligned to school priorities
• Clear articulation of how funds will be used
• Demonstration of alignment with program objectives (increasing high-quality charter schools, improving sector quality)

Support Available During Application Process:

• CSP Office Hours for questions about grant process
• Grant Project Goals Office Hours (11am-1pm MDT)
• Foundant Grant Management System Office Hours
• Great Schools Colorado CSP Grant Budget Webinar (reviews allowable uses of funds and cost principles)
• Step-by-step budget template guidance

Post-Award Requirements:

• Fiscal procedures compliance
• Grant management through Foundant system
• Upcoming reporting milestones
• Continuation eligibility requirements