Please visit our updated website at https://innovation.ed.gov/what-we-do/charter-schools/charter-schools-program-non-state-educational-agencies-non-sea-planning-program-design-and-initial-implementation-grant/applicant-info-and-eligibility/.

Planning, Program Design, and Initial Implementation grants (CFDA number 84.282B): A developer that has (1) applied to an authorized public chartering authority to operate a charter school; and (2) provided adequate and timely notice to that authority under section 5203(d)(3) of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7221b(d)(3)). In accordance with section 5203(d)(3) of the ESEA, an applicant for a pre-charter planning grant may include, in section V of its application, a request for a waiver from the Secretary of the requirement that the eligible applicant provide its authorized public chartering authority timely notice, and a copy, of its application for CSP funds (20 U.S.C. 7221b(d)(3)).

Note: Section 5210 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7221i(2)) defines a “Developer” as an individual or group of individuals (including a public or private nonprofit organization), which may include teachers, administrators and other school staff, parents, or other members of the local community in which a charter school project will be carried out. The charter school must be located in a State with a State statute specifically authorizing the establishment of charter schools and in which the SEA elects not to participate in the CSP or does not have an application approved under the CSP.

Use of Funds for Post-Award Non-State Entity (Non-SE) Grants to Developers for the Opening of New Charter Schools A non-SE eligible applicant receiving a grant under CFDA number 84.282B may use the grant funds only for--the purpose of carrying out the activities described in section 4303(h) of the ESEA in a State that did not receive a grant under section 4303.

Note: As a general matter, the Secretary considers charter schools that have been in operation for more than five years to be past the initial implementation phase and, therefore, ineligible to receive CSP funds under CFDA number 84.282B to support the opening of a charter school.