January 5, 2010

Dear Minnesota Charter Leader:

I am communicating some significant changes to the Walton FamilyFoundation Grant program.  Effective Jan 1, 2010, the Walton FamilyFoundation will nolonger offer Planning Grants to developing schools.

Beginning Jan 1st, developing schools will be able to apply for a BaseGrant of $250,000 of which $30,000 can be distributed to the school upto 15 months before the Authorizer's submission deadline.   To qualifyfor this grant, the developing school will need to complete a rigorousapplication which will require a detailed business plan andfinancials.  Developers who meet the selection criteria will also beinterviewed by the Grant Review Team which will make the final decisionon whether to award a grant or not. Please note:  DEADLINE SUBMISSION TO CHARTER SCHOOL PARTNERS FOR THIS NEXT ROUND OF START-UP GRANTS WILL BE FEBRUARY 1, 2010.

Schools that receive the Base Grant are then eligible for asupplemental $500/pupil during the first five years  of operation up toa maximum of $250,000 when their enrollment exceeds 250 students andthe school meets specific performance criteria.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me to discuss these changes in moredetail.

Sincerely,

Al Fan

NEW Instructions and Timetable for Grant Application Reviews as of January 1, 2010

The Walton Family Foundation website: http://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/forgrantseekers/instructions.asp describes the new criteria and process for the Charter School Startup Grants. The website provides all the forms and directions for completing the appropriate application.

The Walton Family Foundation has designated Charter School Partners as its local grant partner in Minnesota. CSP's role is to facilitate a review process for grants that will result in the highest quality charter schools.

If you have any questions please contact:
Al Fan
Charter School Partners – Executive Director
afan@charterschoolpartners.org
612.418.2935