The RISE Program
Revitalizing Infrastructure for School Education
District administrators play a vital role in shaping the long-term success of their schools. The Revitalizing Infrastructure for School Education (RISE) program, developed by the California Municipal Public Finance Authority (CalMuni PFA), offers a proven solution for financing essential school infrastructure projects.
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Designed for California TK-14 school districts, RISE offers a strategic and cost-effective approach to financing. By leveraging specialized financing programs, RISE helps districts modernize facilities, improve learning environments, and enhance student safety, all while minimizing the financial burden on local budgets.
Who is Eligible?
The RISE program is available to all California TK-14 school districts, including:
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TK-12 public school districts
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Community college districts
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Charter schools
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County offices of education managing district-wide infrastructure projects
Bridge Loans or Long-Term Financing
The RISE program provides public agencies with access to both bridge loans and long-term financing at competitive rates. Bridge loans come with no prepayment penalties after three years, offering flexibility as other funding becomes available.
With inflation driving up construction costs, delaying projects can be costly. RISE helps agencies move forward now—securing the capital they need with terms designed to support smart, timely investments.
We're Strategic with Available Funds
IRA Tax Credits
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 contains a “direct pay” tax credit (Tax Credits) provision that enables tax-exempt entities, including School Districts, to receive a direct cash payment covering 30% to 60% of the costs for qualifying energy projects. These federal subsidies can be combined with Proposition 2 matching grants to further reduce project costs.
Proposition 2
Proposition 2 provides funding for California TK-12 school districts to support critical infrastructure projects. Districts must apply for the funds and provide matching dollars—but with the right support, it’s a powerful opportunity to upgrade facilities and better serve students.
On-Bill Financing
On-Bill Financing is a program run through energy providers that allows districts to fund energy efficiency upgrades with zero upfront cost—project expenses are repaid directly through utility savings. Repayments are made on the utility bill using cost savings generated by the project, so there is no impact to your general fund.
Funding is available—but planning is critical. RISE helps districts every step of the way.
How We Help You RISE
Strategic Planning
We help schools plan and strategize based on their project needs to identify the best path forward for funding and implementation.
Facility Master Plan Preparation
We develop compliant, comprehensive master plans that align with long-term facility needs, Proposition 2 requirements, and other available funding sources.
Flexible Funding Options
Whether you need a bridge loan, long term financing or On-Bill financing, we offer access to financing at the lowest available rates with flexible terms, including the ability to fully prepay after just 3 years with no penalties.
Prop 2 and Funding Applications
We support every aspect of preparing Proposition 2, funding, and Tax Credit applications to help schools maximize their available subsidy resources.
Procurement of Tax Credits
For eligible projects, we assist agencies in identifying, securing, and maximizing available tax credits to support their funding strategy.
Ongoing Regulatory Compliance
Even after your project is complete, we support ongoing regulatory compliance to ensure your district stays in line with all state and federal requirements.
RISE Advantage
Many school districts qualify for state and federal funding, but these funds are often disbursed only after project completion, requiring districts to secure upfront capital to begin construction. RISE bridges this gap, providing flexible financing with no prepayment penalties—setting it apart from other programs.
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But our support doesn’t stop there. Securing tax credits, Prop 2 funding, grants, and other funding streams that offset the cost of your project can be a complex process, and our team guides you every step of the way. You’re never left to navigate funding challenges alone.
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With CalMuni PFA, you gain access to bond counsel, tax counsel, and municipal advisors, ensuring every aspect of your project is handled efficiently. Even after your project is complete, we assist with ongoing regulatory filings to keep your district in full compliance with state and federal regulations.
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RISE is more than funding—it’s a complete support system for your district’s success.
Program Registration is Now Open!
The RISE program provides School Districts with all the professional and administrative support they need to successfully navigate and execute the funding cycle for capital projects, with the objective of delivering cost free school projects.
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Unlock the full potential of RISE and maximize state and federal subsidies for your district. Sign up today and let us guide you through the process, so you can focus on what matters most—your schools and students!