Sorry if I sound like a broken record in my blogs lately, but September is close at hand. If you are like me you have been running around buying the pens, paper, folders, crayons, rulers, etc. to get the kids ready for a new school year. I find myself wondering why backpacks now cost more than a new cell phone.

But I digress.

As busy as families are at this time, I am sure the schools are doing ten times the preparation we are and funding is just as tight for them. My opportunity today brings assistance to charter schools.

This week’s pick: The Charter School Growth Fund (CSGF) "supports the development and expansion of high-quality charter management and support organizations." CSGF capital pools include:
• Multi-year implementation grants
• Acquisition, construction, renovation & leasehold improvement for expansion
• Central office costs
• Start-up grants (for specific districts/states) through Walton Family Foundation

The CSGF applications are accepted, online throughout the year. The 2010 Business Planning Program Grants have not yet announced their deadline. The Fund is looking for those groups that show commitment to balancing growth and high-quality performance. For more information on the implementation grants click here. To learn about who is eligible for the Walton grants click here.