Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the maximum base grant award available for the Startup Grant Program?
A: $250,000 if formally authorized as a charter school.
Q: Have basic eligibility requirements for the Startup Grants changed?
A: No. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to dramatically raise student achievement, serve at least 50% or more low-income students, serve students in WFF target geographies, and receive a referral from a Grant Partner or WFF.
Q: Does WFF still offer Planning Grants?
A: Planning grants were discontinued in 2009 and are no longer available.
Q: What types of schools qualify for Startup Grants?
A: Standalone public charters and select Charter Management Organizations (CMO’s). If your school is affiliated with KIPP, Building Excellent Schools (BES), or the Charter School Growth Fund (CSGF) you may apply for funding via these organizations directly.
Q: How does WFF define eligible startup schools?
A: Schools waiting for authorization as a charter
Newly authorized charters (no older than one year)
Schools opening new, additional campus under an existing charter; or
Existing schools that are expanding to serve incremental students with new programs and faculty on the same campus
Q: Are facilities now eligible expenditures for Startup Grants?
A: Yes, at the discretion of the WFF Grant Partner or Program Officer.
Q: Is a referral required to complete a Startup Grant proposal/application?
A: Yes. Please refer to the Walton Family Foundation website and find the state your school is located in for contact information regarding eligibility and application for funding.
Q: When can a school developer apply for a pre-authorization grant?
A: Applicants may receive up to $30,000 as early as 15 months before the school’s authorizer submission deadlines, however, a formal business plan and financials are just two of the required proposal attachments to qualify for an interview.
Q: Are interviews required and when are they conducted?
A: Yes, an interview is required for receipt of WFF charter school funding. Interviews are conducted by invitation only and coordinated through the Foundation’s Grant Partners (see the WFF website) or Program Officers.
Q: What about a post-authorization grant?
A: The balance of $220,000 is available after providing proof of formal authorization (without an additional interview) if your school is already in receipt of a pre-authorization grant. If this is the first time the developer is applying for funding of a new school and that school has already been authorized, an interview is required.
Q: How is the Per-Pupil funding program structured?
A: The program is administered by the Walton Family Foundation and allows schools who are awarded WFF Post-Authorization or Combination Startup grants after January 1, 2010 to apply for a per pupil supplement of $500 per student for enrollment above 250 full-time students, maxing out at 750 students.
Q: How and when does a school apply for the Per-Pupil grant program?
A: The per-pupil grant program is by WFF invitation only and is possible after the second year of a schools operation, when schools can demonstrate they have met AYP or state-level quality thresholds.
Q: Which schools qualify for Per-Pupil funding?
A: Any school that receives a full $250,000 WFF Startup Grant after January 1, 2010. Per-pupil funding is not available to schools who received WFF Startup Grants prior to 2010.
Q: What information is required in order to apply for Per-Pupil funding?
A: The applicant must provide proof of enrollment above 250 students, as well as State academic achievement reporting. The WFF invitation to apply for Per-Pupil funding will include specific instructions for how this information may be demonstrated in the future.
Q: What is the maximum amount a school can receive for Per-Pupil funding?
A: Up to $250,000 over the first five years of operation. A majority of schools will not receive the full amount given a maximum threshold of 750 students. A typical 400 student school may receive up to $325,000, for example.
Q: Do I need a 501c(3) before I can apply for a startup grant?
A: No, but the applicant will need to pass a credit check or designate a fiscal agent.
If you have any questions please contact:
Al Fan
Charter School Partners – Executive Director
afan@charterschoolpartners.org
612.418.2935
