Scale Grant

Scale Grant Overview

Funder: Charter School Growth Fund (CSGF)

Geographic Scope: National (34 states, DC, and Puerto Rico)

Purpose: Support educational leaders and entrepreneurs who want to expand high-performing public charter schools by growing to serve roughly 1,000+ additional students in the next 3-5 years.

Funding Details

• Award Range: $750,000+ in grants and low-interest loans
• Disbursement: Over a 3-5 year period
• Target Growth: Schools and networks planning to open 3+ schools over 5-year period
• Timeline: Rolling application process (no set deadline)

What CSGF Offers

• Funding: Grants and low-interest loans to pursue multi-year plans for opening new schools and increasing impact
• Strategic Partnership: Works alongside charter leaders to navigate growth challenges and deliver for students/families. Team members bring financial and strategic expertise with school experience
• Community: Collaborative community among nation's foremost charter leaders
- Annual Portfolio Retreat for CEOs - 15-20 smaller convenings annually for senior leaders
• Support, Insights & Solutions: Through impact team, provides:
- Spotlights and shares practices for organizational improvement - Investments in scalable solutions and innovations - Short-term consulting support - Four practice areas: academics & character, talent, finance & operations, college access/alumni success

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:
• Proven Leadership: 3-5 years of demonstrated success in leadership role (school, district, or charter network)
• Academic Excellence: Schools outperform local school district on state assessments; perform well compared to state average
• Commitment to Underserved Students: Serve students from underserved backgrounds including low-income, overage/under-credited, special needs, foster youth, and homeless youth
• Vision for Growth: Desire to grow and serve 1,000+ additional students by launching 3+ schools over 5-year period
• Strong Leadership: Leadership teams capable of building skills/expertise for ambitious goals
• Financial Sustainability: Commitment to operating on public funding without significant philanthropy when growth is complete
• Waiting Lists: Typically have waiting lists demonstrating demand

Contact Information

Charter School Growth Fund 1390 Lawrence Street, Suite 300 Denver, CO 80204 (303) 217-8090 [email protected]