FY2027: Charter School Program Expansion Grant and Charter School Program Start-Up Grant
This grant from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education funds innovative expansion and start-up projects for charter schools focused on equity and improved outcomes for underserved students.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Due Dates: June 18, 2026 (FC 0532, FY25 expansions) | March 8, 2027 (FC 0532, FY27 expansions) | March 8, 2027 (FC 0535, FY27 start-ups)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,000,000 per school (expansion or start-up); additional priority funding up to $750,000 (expansion) or $800,000 (start-up); project duration up to 36 months.
Summary: Supports the expansion and launch of high-quality charter schools in Massachusetts, prioritizing equity, innovation, and historically underserved students.
Key Information: Only schools with recent charter awards or expansion amendments are eligible; strict allowability rules apply.
Description
This grant program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), provides competitive funding to support the expansion of existing high-quality charter schools (Fund Code 0532) and the start-up of new charter schools (Fund Code 0535) in Massachusetts. The program aims to foster equitable access to quality public education, with priorities for schools that serve student populations reflecting the diversity of their districts and implement evidence-based strategies to improve outcomes for historically underserved groups. Funding may be used for professional development, educational materials, minor facility improvements, community engagement, and other essential start-up or expansion costs.
