FY2027: Charter School Program Expansion Grant (Fund Code 0532)
This grant supports Massachusetts charter schools expanding enrollment or grades, funding staff, materials, facilities, and community engagement to promote equitable access and strong student outcomes.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Due Dates: June 18, 2026 (for schools with FY25 expansion amendment) | March 8, 2027 (for schools with FY27 expansion amendment)
Funding Amounts: Up to $4,000 per pupil, not to exceed $1,000,000 per grant, plus up to $650,000 in additional priority-based funds; approx. $3.5M total available.
Summary: Supports the expansion of high-quality charter schools in Massachusetts, focusing on equitable access and strong student outcomes, with funds for staffing, materials, facilities, and community engagement.
Key Information: Only charter schools with approved expansion amendments are eligible; funds must be used for non-sustained, expansion-related costs.
Description
This program provides expansion grants (Fund Code 0532) to eligible Massachusetts charter schools seeking to increase student enrollment and/or add grades. The grant is part of the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) and is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The primary aim is to support the growth of high-quality charter schools that demonstrate equitable access—especially for historically underserved student groups—and strong academic outcomes.
Allowable uses of funds include staff hiring and professional development (during the planning/expansion period), acquisition of educational materials and equipment, minor facilities renovations (not construction), transportation start-up costs, community engagement, and other non-sustained costs directly related to expansion. Priority is given to schools serving student populations that reflect or exceed the demographics of their sending districts and those demonstrating high school and post-secondary success through evidence-based strategies.
