Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the maximum base grant award available for the Startup Grant Program? 

$250,000 if formally authorized as a charter school.

Have basic eligibility requirements for the Startup Grants changed?

No.  Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to dramatically raise student achievement, serve at least 50% or more low-income students, serve students in our target geographies, and receive a referral from a grant partner or Walton Family Foundation. 

Does Walton Family Foundation still offer Planning Grants?

Planning grants were discontinued in 2009 and are no longer available.

What types of schools qualify for Startup Grants?

Stand alone public charters and select Charter Management Organizations (CMOs).  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.

How does Walton Family Foundation define eligible startup schools?

- 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

Are facilities now eligible expenditures for Startup Grants?

Yes, at the discretion of the our grant partner or program officer.

Is a referral required to complete a Startup Grant proposal/application?

Yes. Please refer to the "Seek A Referral" page and find the state your school is located in for contact information regarding eligibility and application for funding. 

I don’t see my state or district listed under target districts. Am I still eligible to receive an endorsement from a WFF program officer?

No. To qualify for an endorsement from a WFF program officer or state association, a public charter school must be located in one of The Walton Family Foundation target districts. If your school is located in a state you do not see listed, your school would not be eligible to apply.

When can a school developer apply for a pre-authorization grant?

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.

Are interviews required and when are they conducted?

Yes, an interview is required for receipt of Walton Family Foundation charter school funding.  Interviews are conducted by invitation only and coordinated through the our grant partners or program officers.

What about a post-authorization grant?

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.

What document qualifies for "proof of authorization?"

If applying for a post-authorization or combo startup grant, the official signed document from your charter authorizer (state board, university, school district, etc.) stating you are a charter school under their jurisdiction, including the federal tax identification number qualifies as "proof of authorization." Minutes from authorizer board meetings cannot be accepted.

When do I submit an expenditure report?

If your school has been awarded a grant from The Walton Family Foundation, you must submit an annual financial and narrative report. The due date is listed in your grant letter in section 5. Please use the reporting templates located on the "For Current Grantees" page.