LISC and Walton Family Foundation launch $2M effort to expand high-quality education in Opportunity Zones

40 public charter schools will receive support to open in economically disinvested areas, including Opportunity Zones

NEW YORK (Sept. 18, 2019)—The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) today launched the Spark Opportunity Grant Program to bring high-quality schools to economically underserved communities and help ensure education is a cornerstone of their revitalization.

The $2 million program, supported by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation, will assist an estimated 40 public charter schools in expanding their capacity to plan, finance and build facilities that meet the needs of their communities, all while maximizing critical dollars in the classroom. Pacific Charter School Development is also a partner in the effort.

Spark Opportunity grants will help schools pay for technical experts to evaluate their resource needs and develop a strategic plan for their facilities. Priority will be given to existing charter operators that are considering opening new or rehabbed facilities in federally designated Opportunity Zones, an initiative passed as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to attract investment to communities.

View the full press release here.

View the Spark Opportunity Grant Program website here.

Click here to join the Spark Opportunity Grant Program mailing list.