Opportunity Map
The Charter School Facilities Funding Divide
Which States Are Building Opportunity—and Which Are Standing on Bare Ground
Across the country, charter schools face a persistent divide in access to safe, affordable facilities—a challenge rooted in state policy and funding inequities. This interactive map builds on insights from Facilities Stories, highlighting what’s been addressed and what remains, revealing where opportunity is growing and where schools still stand on bare ground. It spotlights the urgent need for advocacy and investment. Explore how your state ranks, discover what’s possible when policy aligns with purpose, and join the movement to ensure every student has the space to thrive.
Mechanisms Evaluated
States were assessed across five core mechanisms of facilities funding equity:
Per-Pupil Facilities Funding
Recurring, predictable state allocations dedicated to facilities.
Access to Public Buildings
Rights of first refusal and co-location opportunities.
Revolving Loan Funds
State-capitalized programs offering affordable capital for acquisition and expansion.
Credit Enhancement
State backing or moral obligation mechanisms that unlock access to borrowing.
District Bond Access
The ability to participate in or issue tax-exempt public bonds.
Structurally Sound
At least 4 of 5 mechanisms in operation and enforced. Facilities support is active and reliable.
Reinforcement Needed
2–3 mechanisms, partial implementation. Gaps need attention to strengthen stability.
Bare Ground
0–1 mechanism, no systemic facilities support. High need for foundational investment.
Mechanisms Evaluated
States were assessed across five core mechanisms of facilities funding equity:
Per-Pupil Facilities Funding
Recurring, predictable state allocations dedicated to facilities.
Access to Public Buildings
Rights of first refusal and co-location opportunities.
Revolving Loan Funds
State-capitalized programs offering affordable capital for acquisition and expansion.
Credit Enhancement
State backing or moral obligation mechanisms that lower borrowing costs.
District Bond Access
The ability to participate in or issue tax-exempt public bonds.
Why It Matters
Facilities Funding Gap: Real—but Fixable
Every charter school deserves a safe, affordable facility. Every student deserves space to learn and grow.
Explore how your state ranks, discover what’s possible when policy aligns with purpose, and join the movement to ensure every student has the space to learn and thrive.
District Bond Access
Credit Enhancement
Revolving Loan Fund
Per-Pupil Facilities
Public Building Access
Bare Ground
Reinforcement Needed
Structurally Strong
Bare Ground
Reinforcement Needed
Structurally Strong
Bare Ground
Reinforcement Needed
Structurally Strong
Bare Ground
Reinforcement Needed
Structurally Strong
Bare Ground
Reinforcement Needed
Structurally Strong
What We Do
22Beacon aligns policy and purpose to create:
Ownership
Permanent homes for schools
Stability
Long-term solutions
Opportunity
Spaces where students thrive
