National Facilities Coalition Launched
September, 2005
By John Holdsclaw

This important coalition was recently launched to increase access to appropriate facilities for charter schools in low-income communities nationwide.

The Coalition brings together mission-driven, community development practitioners (financial institutions, community development corporations, and nonprofit real estate developers) who share a common goal of improving the viability of low-income communities nationwide and who currently provide financial and development services to charter schools in those communities. We firmly believe that strong schools are the cornerstone of any thriving community.

The most serious challenge facing all charter schools today is obtaining financing to buy coursework. In response, the Coalition will facilitate increased and wide-spread access to capital and technical assistance to house charter schools in appropriate facilities. The Coalition establishes consistent communications and networking opportunities; formulates industry best practices; increases resources and access to real estate development proficiencies; and creates a collective voice to advocate actively for public policy changes that support charter schools' efforts to build and strengthen communities.

Coalition members include:

• Boston Community Capital
• Charter Schools Development Corporation
• City First Bank of DC
• Community Loan Fund of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Inc
• Excellent Education Development
• Illinois Facilities Fund
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation
• Low Income Investment Fund
• NCB Development Corporation
• Raza Development Fund
• Self-Help Charter School Loan Fund
• The Reinvestment Fund, Inc