Our History
1997
Foundations
Our roots go deep. We were established in 1997 as ‘CSDC’ with an audacious mission: to serve the charter school community — the most dynamic, innovative, and fastest-growing segment of American K-12 education, and the catalyst, through increased competition and choice, for the systemic reform and improvement of poorly performing traditional public schools.
Breaking Ground
By 2000, we had spearheaded the effort to create a limited federal role in assisting charter schools with facilities challenges. Our advocacy secured a $25 million congressional demonstration program, laying the foundation for today’s Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program which has since awarded hundreds of millions of dollars in grants. We remain the program’s largest recipient — both in number of grants and total funding.
2000
2010
Innovating
2010 marked a turning point — we achieved certification as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). At this time, we pioneered 100% LTV (Loan-to-Value) loans for newly chartered schools, eliminating the need for financial equity.
2022
Expanding Our Impact
We’ve continued to grow — our funding, our reach, our influence, our impact. By 2022, CSDC had served more than 100,000 students across the nation. By 2024, we had unlocked $1 billion in impact capital.
1997
Foundations
Our roots go deep. We were established in 1997 as ‘CSDC’ with an audacious mission: to serve the charter school community — the most dynamic, innovative, and fastest-growing segment of American K-12 education, and the catalyst, through increased competition and choice, for the systemic reform and improvement of poorly performing traditional public schools.
2000
Breaking Ground
By 2000, we had spearheaded the effort to create a limited federal role in assisting charter schools with facilities challenges. Our advocacy secured a $25 million congressional demonstration program, laying the foundation for today’s Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program which has since awarded hundreds of millions of dollars in grants. We remain the program’s largest recipient — both in number of grants and total funding.
2010
Innovating
2010 marked a turning point — we achieved certification as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). At this time, we pioneered 100% LTV (Loan-to-Value) loans for newly chartered schools, eliminating the need for financial equity.
2022
Expanding Our Impact
We’ve continued to grow — our funding, our reach, our influence, our impact. By 2022, CSDC had served more than 100,000 students across the nation. By 2024, we had unlocked $1 billion in impact capital.