Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund Grant

Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Amount: US $30,000,000 - US $50,000,000
Last Updated: August 20, 2025

Summary

The Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund supports North Carolina counties in addressing critical public school building needs through grants funded by the NC Education Lottery. With over $258 million available for FY2025-26, counties can apply for significant funding to construct new schools and renovate existing facilities. Eligible counties must have a market value of taxable real property under $40 billion and are required to provide local matching funds. This initiative aims to enhance educational infrastructure across the state.

Overview

Background The Needs‐Based Public School Capital Fund was established to assist counties with their critical public school building capital needs. Grants from the NBPSCF are funded with revenue from the NC Education Lottery. Grant funds are available to eligible counties for construction of new school buildings and additions, repairs, and renovations of existing school facilities. Funding Funding appropriated for NBPSCF Grant awards exceeds $258 million for FY2025‐26. Grant award maximums are as follows: Up to $42 million for an Elementary School Up to $52 million for a Middle School Up to $62 million for a High School An applicant may not apply for projects that exceed an aggregate amount greater than the maximum grant award amounts listed above in any single year. Applications will be reviewed in the context of projected enrollment to evaluate the reasonableness of project size and scope.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. EligibilityCounties with an adjusted market value of taxable real property of less than $40 billion are eligible to apply for a grant under the NBPSCF program. See list of counties here.Grant funds must be used only for construction of new school buildings and additions, repairs, and renovations. Matching FundsCounties receiving a grant are required to provide local matching funds from county funds, other non‐state funds, or a combination of these sources, in accordance with G.S. 115C‐546.11. Local matching fund requirements range from 0% to 35% of the grant amount, and are published by DPI annually prior to the NBPSCF application period. See here.

Ineligibility

Grant funds cannot be used for real property acquisition or for capital improvements to administrative buildings.