CCSPP Planning Grant FAQs

What is the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP)?

The California legislature appropriated over $4 billion for the CCSPP, to support and expand community schools until June 30, 2031. There are two types of CCSPP grants: (1) planning grants for up to $200,000, for up to two years, for local educational agencies (LEAs) with no existing community schools; and (2) implementation grants for LEAs who have an existing community schools program. The implementation grants will be funded for up to five years, at a rate of up to $500,000 annually per school site determined by school enrollment levels.

Where can LEAs find legislation on the CCSPP?

CCSPP funding has been appropriated as part of the California Community Schools Partnership Act (California Education Code 8900–8902 ) and the Budget Act of 2021 and 2022.

How does the CCSPP define a community school?

The CCSPP defines a community school as a public school serving preschool, transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades one to twelve, inclusive, with strong and intentional community partnerships ensuring pupil learning and whole child and family development, and specifically includes the following:

1. Integrated supports services, including the coordination of trauma-informed health, mental health, and social services that ensure coordination and support with county and local educational agency resources and nongovernmental organizations, and early screening and intervention for learning and other needs.
2. Family, pupil, school site staff, and community engagement, which may include home visits, home-school collaboration, culturally responsive community partnerships to strengthen family well-being and stability, and school climate surveys.
3. Collaborative leadership and practices for educators and administrators, including professional development to transform school culture and climate, that centers on pupil learning and supports mental and behavioral health, trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, restorative justice, and other key areas relating to pupil learning and whole child and family development.
4. Extended learning time and opportunities, including before and after school care and summer programs.

The CCSPP is also guided by the new California Community Schools Framework (Framework) adopted by the State Board of Education at its January 2022 meeting. This Framework identifies the essential elements of a California Community School and expands upon definition set out in statute.

Who is eligible to apply for the CCSPP grants?

LEAs located in and operating public schools in California are eligible to apply for CCSPP funds. The CCSPP defines an LEA as a school district, county office of education, or charter school. A consortium of more than one qualifying LEA may apply together. Planning grants are for LEAs with no existing community schools.

The CCSPP defines a Qualifying Entity as an LEA or a consortium that meets any of the following criteria:

1. Fifty percent or more of the enrolled pupils at the LEA or the consortium are unduplicated pupils.
2. The LEA or the consortium has higher than state average dropout rates.
3. The LEA or the consortium has higher than state average rates of suspension and expulsion.
4. The LEA or the consortium has higher than state average rates of child homelessness, foster youth, or justice-involved youth.

A LEA or consortium, on behalf of one or more schools within the LEA or consortium that satisfy any of the criteria listed above is also considered a Qualifying Entity.

Can an LEA apply for both a planning and implementation grant?

No. An LEA should apply for a planning grant, if it currently has no community schools as defined by California Education Code 8900-8902. An LEA that currently has a community schools program should apply for an implementation grant and is allowed to use implementation grant funding to start new community schools, as well as to support and expand existing community schools programs.

Can a qualifying school within an LEA that does not meet the overall qualifying criteria receive a CCSPP grant on its own?

No. A qualifying school can make an otherwise not qualifying LEA eligible to apply for a CCSPP grant. However, since the CCSPP is funded through Proposition 98 funds, only an LEA can apply for and receive funding as the fiscal agent through this grant.

How do cooperating organizations support the CCSPP? Can a cooperating organization be the sole applicant for a CCSPP grant?

Cooperating organizations are critical partners in the implementation of the community schools model. Since the CCSPP is funded through Proposition 98 funds, only LEAs are eligible to apply for this funding and to serve as the fiscal agent for grant awards. Cooperating agencies and early childhood education providers such as Head Start Programs are encouraged to partner with an eligible LEA(s) to apply for a CCSPP grant, in order to provide supports and services via service contracts.

Does a community school grant applicant have to be a partner in a consortium?

No. Eligible applicants can apply on behalf of a single LEA and/or for a single community school. Note: Planning grant applicants have the option to, but are not required to, designate the schools that will ultimately be a part of their implementation phase.

Can multiple schools in a single district apply as a consortium?

Yes, the CCSPP defines a consortium as multiple LEAs. LEAs are encouraged to apply on behalf of multiple schools as a network. Schools in a network can be in the same LEA, or from multiple LEAs.

Are matching funds required for funding?

Yes, grants shall be matched by the qualifying entity or its cooperating agencies with a local match equal to one-third of the grant amount.

Can in-kind contributions be used as match?

Yes, the CCSPP will consider an in-kind match as a match of funds. Matching funds may be from the LEA, cooperating organizations, and/or provider partners. This is especially important in the CCSPP because partners provide many important support services such as medical, mental health and social services.

How do LEAs submit the CCSPP application?

The CCSPP application must be submitted in two parts:

1. CCSPP Application Questionnaire (online)
2. Documents to be emailed to the CDE at CCSPP@cde.ca.gov include:
   • Form A: Applicant Info Sheet,
   • Form B: Project Abstract,
   • Attachment I: 2021–22 CCSPP LEA and Site Participation Sheet (optional for planning grant applicants), and
   • Attachment II: 2021–22 CCSPP Program Budget Worksheet.

When will applicants be notified if they have received a grant and when will funds be distributed?

Successful applicants will receive notification of their grant following the May meeting of the State Board of Education. Funds are released after the grantee signs and submits the Grant Award Notification letter.

Should LEAs anticipate monitoring or auditing of CCSPP funds?

Yes, the CDE will monitor the use of the CCSPP funds. In addition, CCSPP grantees are required to provide the CDE with data in order for the CDE to provide annual comprehensive reports to the legislature.