Key Takeaways
- Ohio is making nearly $100 million in federal grant funding available to community schools through two competitive programs announced in April 2026.
- The Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grant offers up to $2 million per eligible school for expansion or replication of high-quality models.
- The Charter School Facilities Incentive (CFI) Grant provides per-pupil federal funding to help schools address facility needs, from rent and renovations to new construction.
- Eligibility for both grants hinges on audit history, sponsor ratings, and specific report card criteria, making clean financials and compliance records essential.
- Applications for both grants are due June 17, 2026. Schools interested in applying should begin their eligibility assessment immediately.
- Rea’s government advisors can help community schools assess eligibility, prepare for audit requirements, and position their organizations for a competitive application.
In April 2026, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen Dackin announced the release of two significant competitive grant opportunities for Ohio’s community schools representing nearly $100 million in available federal funding. For school leaders, treasurers, and administrators who have been navigating tight facilities budgets and growing demand for high-quality seats, this announcement is worth a close look.
Applications for both programs are due June 17, 2026. If your school is considering applying, the window to assess eligibility and prepare documentation is short. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding the Two Grant Programs
Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grant — $50 Million Available
The CSP Grant provides federal funds to expand access to high-quality community schools across Ohio. Awards are capped at $2 million over the life of the grant, and funding is allocated across two categories:
- Expansion of existing high-quality community schools
- Opening new schools or replicating an existing high-quality model
The CSP grant operates under federal assistance listing number 84.282A. One important limitation to note: if your school has received a CSP grant within the past five years, you are not eligible to apply again until that five-year period has fully elapsed from the date of the previous award.
Eligibility requirements for the CSP Grant include:
- Meeting the federal definition of a public charter school
- Operating tuition-free
- Being site-based or hybrid in delivery model
- Maintaining a high degree of autonomy over budget and personnel
- Having a sponsor with an exemplary or effective rating
- Having two most recent audits completed with no significant compliance issues identified
- Meeting specific requirements of the traditional report card or dropout prevention/recovery measures
Charter School Facilities Incentive (CFI) Grant — $47.5 Million Available
The CFI Grant addresses one of the most persistent challenges for community schools: facility funding. Ohio will use these dollars to increase the number of seats available in high-performing schools in areas of greatest need, incentivize career and technical education programs, and ensure adequate facility support statewide.
The program provides supplemental per-pupil federal funding to help offset facility costs, and it’s structured with a declining federal match — 90% federal share in year one, decreasing to 20% by year five, after which federal funding phases out entirely. That timeline matters for long-range financial planning.
The CFI grant operates under federal assistance listing number 84.282D.
To be eligible, community schools must:
- Be site-based or blended learning schools
- Meet specific criteria on the most recent report card
- Demonstrate an immediate need for the facility
Allowable uses of CFI funds include:
- Rent
- Purchasing a building or land
- New school construction
- Renovation of an existing facility
- Leasehold improvements
- Debt service on a school facility
What This Means for Your School
Both grants create meaningful opportunities, but eligibility isn’t automatic and with a June 17 deadline, there’s little runway to spare.
The CSP Grant, in particular, requires that your two most recent audits show no significant compliance issues. That’s not a box to check at the last minute. It reflects the health of your financial operations over time.
For schools with a clean audit history and strong sponsor ratings, the path to eligibility is clearer. For those who have had findings in recent audits or are navigating compliance questions, now is the time to address those issues proactively, not after the application window opens.
It’s also worth noting that the CFI Grant’s declining federal match structure means schools should model out the full five-year cost picture before committing to a facility project. Understanding what your per-pupil allocation looks like against your anticipated facility costs and what the school will need to cover independently after year five is critical financial planning work.
Getting Ready to Apply
Competitive grant applications reward organizations that are well-organized, financially transparent, and able to clearly articulate their impact and growth plans. Community schools that work with advisors experienced in governmental accounting and single audits will be better positioned to demonstrate compliance, present clean financials, and navigate the documentation requirements these federal programs demand.
Full program details and application materials are available directly from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
Ready to assess your school’s grant eligibility or strengthen your audit position? Connect with Rea’s government advisors.
