Organizations Supporting Charter Schools in Indianapolis
Charter School Authorizers
Charter schools in Indianapolis have multiple options for Authorizers. Since 2001, the City of Indianapolis, through an award-winning program, has had the ability to charter schools. Just this year the state of Indiana established the Indiana Charter School Board to authorize new charter schools. In addition, universities across the state have the authority to charter schools, an ability Ball State University currently exercises.
Financial Resources
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
LISC is a national organization with local priorities committed to helping neighbors build communities. LISC works with the local nonprofit community development organizations to help transform distressed urban neighborhoods into healthy communities that are great places to live, work, do business, and raise families.
IFF
IFF is the one-stop shop in the Midwest offering affordable financing and real estate consulting services for every stage of charter school development. In Indianapolis, IFF helps plan and finance new charter schools.
Charter Schools Development Corporation
CSDC is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and property developer that finances and builds facilities for charter schools that are committed to expanding school choice and reforming and improving K-12 education. CSDC has invested almost $8 million in 16 charter schools statewide through its innovative programs and services, including its Indianapolis Building Block Fund specifically for those schools sponsored by the Mayor of Indianapolis. CSDC's financing solutions help charter schools secure facilities upon advantageous lease and loan terms, enabling them to maximize their educational funding for classroom teaching and learning.
Organizational Support
Indiana Public Charter Schools Association
The mission of the Indiana Public Charter Schools Association is to increase overall student achievement in Indiana by advocating for the charter school movement, and supporting charter school development and excellence.