The Expanding Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Program-State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grant Program (SFIG) provides competitive grants to help states establish and enhance or administer "per-pupil facilities aid" for charter schools. The federal funds are used to match programs funded with nonfederal dollars that make payments, on a per-pupil basis, to provide charter schools with facilities financing. The program is intended to encourage states to share in the costs associated with charter schools facilities funding, and as a result states pay an increasing share of the cost of the program.
In order to be eligible to receive a grant, a State shall establish or enhance, and administer, a per-pupil facilities aid program for charter schools in the State, that—
- Is specified in State law; and
- Provides annual financing, on a per-pupil basis, for charter school facilities.
A State that is required under State law to provide charter schools with access to adequate facility space, but that does not have a per-pupil facilities aid program for charter schools specified in State law, is eligible to receive a grant if the State agrees to use the funds to develop a per-pupil facilities aid program.
The SFIG grant program provides grants with a maximum term of five years, and State grantees must provide a State share of the total cost of the project. The minimum State share of the total cost of the project increases each year of the grant, from:
- 10 percent in the first year
- 20 percent in the second year
- 40 percent in the third year
- 60 percent in the fourth year
- 80 percent in the fifth year.
A State may partner with one or more organizations, and such organizations may provide up to 50 percent of the State share of the cost of establishing or enhancing, and administering, the per-pupil facilities aid program.
State grantees may use up to five percent of their grant award for administrative expenses that include: indirect costs, evaluation, technical assistance, dissemination, personnel costs, and any other costs involved in administering the State's per-pupil facilities aid program. Charter school subgrantees may use grant funds for administrative costs that are necessary and reasonable for the proper and efficient performance and administration of this Federal grant.
Most recently, in FY2024, the program awarded $11,897,375 in first-year funding to Colorado Department of Education and California School Finance Authority. For more information about the SFIG applicants please see the SFIG Awards page.
See the downloadable spreadsheet for historical award information.