Equitable Facilities Fund Secures Landmark Bond Deal for Schools
Equitable Facilities Fund's Remarkable Bond Achievement
In an impressive development within just six years, the Equitable Facilities Fund (EFF) has made remarkable strides in educational equity. By successfully securing borrowing rates comparable to traditional school districts, EFF is paving the way for more accessible funding for high-quality K-12 schools.
Historic Bond Issuance
Equitable School Revolving Fund (ESRF) has announced the closing of its latest financial transaction, which raises over $350 million through A-rated 'Social Bonds'. This groundbreaking effort aims to improve access to affordable facilities for public charter schools across the United States.
In its most successful bond issuance to date, ESRF encountered overwhelming interest, garnering around $4.5 billion in orders from 67 investors, a notable milestone within the annual charter school bond market. For the first time, ESRF has achieved terms that rival traditional school districts, thereby leveling the financial playing field for public charter schools, especially those serving underserved communities.
Impact on Charter Schools
The influx of funds will significantly enable EFF to broaden its portfolio of school borrowers. Since its inception in 2017, EFF has extended over $1.4 billion in financing to support approximately 200 campuses across 22 states and the District of Columbia. This funding has positively impacted over 100,000 students, with 75% classified as low-income and 88% identified as students of color.
Vision for Equitable Education
"When we launched EFF, our theory of change was to put public charter schools on an equitable footing with district schools," said EFF CEO Anand Kesavan. "With this last issuance, we have turned that theory into reality. Quality schools benefit significantly from this pioneering financial product, and our investors are also afforded the opportunity to invest in transformative educational environments for our children’s futures."
Investor Confidence in ESRF
On October 4, 2024, S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed the 'A' rating for ESRF, highlighting the fund's robust operating performance throughout its five-year journey, with no recorded delinquencies or defaults.
Representation of Diversity
Siebert Williams Shank, known as the largest minority- and woman-owned underwriter in the nation, managed this strategic bond deal. Managing Director David Stinfil expressed his satisfaction, stating, "The enthusiastic response from investors indicates a clear demand for ESRF's continued growth, establishing it firmly amidst national charter school debt guarantors."
Strategic Growth Plans
As EFF forges ahead, it is expanding its national lending platform with the introduction of revolving loan funds specific to states and regions, including initiatives in Texas, Nevada, and Arkansas. Plans are underway to also establish funds in Washington, D.C., New York, and Tennessee. Recently, EFF announced the Catapult Fund, aimed explicitly at facilitating flexible financing for high-impact, early-stage public charter schools.
About Equitable Facilities Fund
Equitable Facilities Fund is a nonprofit entity dedicated to offering long-term, low-cost facility loans to bolster high-performing public charter schools. EFF prioritizes optimal financial conditions that enable schools to allocate resources effectively for their students. As part of this commitment, EFF manages a highly rated revolving loan fund that reinvests funds generated from its bond issuances, creating robust investment opportunities that underscore the value of education.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the primary mission of the Equitable Facilities Fund?
The mission is to provide affordable financing options for high-performing public charter schools to enhance educational equity.
2. How much did Equitable Facilities Fund raise in its latest bond issuance?
It raised over $350 million in A-rated 'Social Bonds' as part of its efforts to support charter schools.
3. What impact does the fund have on local communities?
The fund's financing primarily supports charter schools that serve low-income and underserved students, improving educational resources available to those communities.
4. What has been the historical performance of the Equitable School Revolving Fund?
ESRF has demonstrated strong operational capacity without any delinquencies or defaults over its five-year existence.
5. What are the future plans for Equitable Facilities Fund?
EFF plans to expand its offerings with state-specific revolving loan funds and aims to launch additional initiatives to support early-stage public charter schools.
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