Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP)—State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grant (SFIG) Program, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.282D

The Department of Education has released revised common instructions for applicants seeking discretionary grant funds, superseding the version from December 2022. This centralized document streamlines the application process by consolidating instructions for electronic submissions through Grants.gov, including detailed requirements related to Unique Entity Identifiers (UEIs), Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs), and registration with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). The revised instructions emphasize the importance of submitting applications electronically, providing guidance on proper documentation, formatting, and acknowledgment of receipt. Notably, the updated guidance includes provisions regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in grant applications, allowing its assistance while cautioning against risks such as bias and inaccuracy. Applicants are responsible for ensuring the integrity of their submissions and aligning with the principles outlined in recent governmental resources. Furthermore, the instructions clarify the procedures for submitting paper applications, emphasizing prior notification and proof of mailing. The document concludes with recommendations for individuals with disabilities seeking accommodations during the application process. Overall, these revised instructions aim to enhance clarity and efficiency in the grant application process while emphasizing accountability and ethical considerations in the use of AI technologies.

The Department of Education has issued a Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for the Fiscal Year 2025 for the State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grant (SFIG) Program, aimed at supporting states in enhancing their charter school facilities aid programs. The program provides competitive grants to states to develop per-pupil facilities aid funding, addressing challenges charter schools face in securing affordable facilities. The total estimated funding available is $10 million, with individual awards ranging from $1 million to $10 million, contingent upon application quality. Eligible applicants are states that must either create or improve their facilities aid programs consistent with state law. The evaluation process considers factors like the need for funding, project quality, the qualifications of the project team, and budget justification, with a maximum score of 100 points. Furthermore, applicants can earn additional points by addressing specific competitive preference priorities that focus on enhancing public school choice in high-need areas. The application submission deadline is July 8, 2025, and applicants are encouraged to notify their intent to apply by June 9, 2025. This initiative reflects the federal government’s commitment to facilitating access to quality education through improved support for charter school infrastructure.