Greetings everyone, 

Spring marks not only a time of renewal but also an exciting moment for Colorado’s charter school community. As we launch the 2025 Charter School Program (CSP) grant cycle, we’re reminded of the potential that lies ahead for new beginnings, expanded impact, and stronger schools across the state.

With both the New/Replication/Expansion and Continuation Grant Applications now open, this season invites educators, leaders, and visionaries to take bold steps toward creating high-quality options for students. Whether you’re applying for the first time, continuing your growth journey, or exploring how to make the most of your CSP funding, there are valuable resources and opportunities waiting for you.

Let this be a time to engage deeply, connect with peers, and move forward with confidence. Together, we are building a stronger, more innovative future for public education in Colorado.

2025 New/Replicating/Expanding Grant Open for Colorado Charter Schools

The Great Schools Colorado (CSP) 2025 New/Replicating/Expanding Grant Application is now open! This competitive opportunity offers up to $2 million per subgrant over three years to support the launch, replication, or expansion of high-quality charter schools across Colorado. Eligible applicants must meet federal definitions and demonstrate readiness to open within 18 months. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. (MT) May 12, 2025.

2025 Continuation Grant Application Now Open for Eligible Charter Schools

The Great Schools Colorado (CSP) 2025 Continuation Grant Application is now open as of April 4, 2025. This opportunity is exclusively for schools that previously received a CSP State Entities Grant through the Colorado Department of Education between 2018 and 2023. Eligible applicants must meet federal charter school definitions and demonstrate ongoing compliance and academic progress. The application deadline is May 2, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. (MT). 

Upcoming Technical Assistance Sessions to Support Your Application

• Monday, April 21 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  Foundant Grant Management System
  We’ll walk through creating accounts for key users, navigating the application sections, and answering your questions about any part of the application process.
• Monday, May 5 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  Grant Project Goals
  Learn how to develop strong, SMART goals tailored to your charter school project during the grant period. We’ll also field questions about all aspects of the application.

Join us and bring your questions—these sessions are designed to set applicants up for success!

Quarterly Business & Operations Cohort: Advancing Financial Health in Charter Schools

Join us for the 2025 Business and Operations Networking Cohort on May 15, 2025, from 11 AM–1 PM—a quarterly gathering designed to promote financial stability and operational excellence across Colorado charter schools. Previously coordinated by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) for CSP grant recipients and open to all League member schools, this session is ideal for Business Managers, Directors of Finance, and Operations Leaders. Each meeting features expert-led presentations on timely topics, best practices, and strategic insights to strengthen your school’s financial health.

Unlocking Support: Training & Technical Assistance for CSP Grantees

Join us for the Great Schools Colorado-CSP Prospect Cohort on May 13th, focusing on the Training & Technical Assistance (TA) offerings available throughout the grant cycle. Attendees will explore the technical assistance requirements and discover the range of support provided during both the planning and implementation phases of the grant.

From sub-grantee support to governing board development, you'll learn how to leverage a robust network of TA providers to strengthen your school’s foundation and ensure long-term success. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts, ask questions, and build your capacity for excellence.

Making the Most of Your CSP Grant: Navigating Allowable Use of Funds

The Great Schools Colorado-CSP Prospect Cohort met on April 8th for its third session, diving into the Allowable Use of Funds. Participants explored detailed guidance on how to strategically allocate CSP funds while ensuring full compliance with federal regulations. The session highlighted key spending categories—including school development, curriculum enhancement, and operational support—paired with real-world examples and budgeting tips to help charter leaders plan with confidence.

If you're new to this League-led Learning Community, it’s designed to support charter developers, school leaders, and board members pursuing startup funding through the Great Schools Colorado grant. Geared toward new, replication, and expansion projects, the cohort meets monthly to explore key topics aligned with project timelines and group priorities. 
 

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Thanks, everyone, and we’ll have more information for you next month. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions at [email protected] for general Great Schools Colorado questions. For technical questions regarding the application system, please email [email protected]. We work to answer all emails within 48 business hours. 

The Great Schools Colorado Team