Blueprint's Financing Services and Capital Solutions

Blueprint

Expanding educational opportunities for students in under-resourced communities

Blueprint is a non-profit, full-service real estate development firm that partners with charter schools in under-resourced communities to build safe and inspiring learning environments. Our Finance Team unlocks affordable, creative capital solutions to bring these projects to life.

Exterior view of KIPP Bridge Academy charter school with modern blue facade, symbolizing Blueprint’s mission-aligned commitment to expanding educational access.

Affordability Analysis

We help school leaders determine how they can maintain future facility costs below 15% of revenues, keeping as many dollars in the classroom as possible.

Project Budget Management

We build comprehensive project budgets that eliminate unexpected costs. We manage the construction draw process and closely track the budget from predevelopment to project completion.

Modern charter school building with bright green, yellow, and orange panels beside a colorful outdoor basketball court, showcasing Blueprint’s expertise in designing engaging, student-centered school facilities.

Development Financing Packaging

We help charter schools access the capital they need by assembling financing packages that combine senior and subordinate debt, equity, public funds and New Markets Tax Credits.

Students and teachers collaborate in a modern charter school classroom, symbolizing Blueprint’s hands-on, problem-solving partnerships with schools to deliver adaptable, student-centered facilities.

Gap Financing

For select projects, Blueprint offers low-cost subordinate financing to help charter school partners access more affordable senior debt and close funding gaps.

Exterior view of KIPP Bridge Academy charter school with modern blue facade, symbolizing Blueprint’s mission-aligned commitment to expanding educational access.

Equity Investments

To support schools with limited upfront capital, Blueprint may invest equity for facility development and offer a lease-to-own structure as a path to long-term ownership.

Investment Criteria

  • We work with nonprofit charter schools of all sizes—from single schools to large networks.
  • Academically rigorous schools, as evidenced by proficiency or academic growth, that are providing a high-quality school option to families in under-resourced communities.
  • School demographics are representative of the surrounding community.

Financial Metrics

  • Current Ratio ≥ 1.05x
  • All-in Lease or Debt Coverage Ratio ≥ 1.15x
  • Debt to Net Assets Ratio < 3.5x
  • Positive Cash Flow from Operations
  • Healthy Days Cash on Hand
  • Facilities Costs ≤ 15% of Revenues

Types of Loans Provided

Predevelopment

2 Years

Acquisition

2 Years

Construction/Mini-perm

5 Years

NMTC leverage loan

7 Years

Maximum Loan Amount

$5MM

Typical Amortization

25 Years

Blueprint is not a municipal advisor. Read more here.

With respect to any financing, budgeting and scheduling services, Blueprint is not a municipal advisor and, as such, (a) Blueprint will not recommend an action to any municipal entity or obligated person; (b) Blueprint will not act as an advisor to any municipal entity or obligated person and does not owe a fiduciary duty pursuant to Section 15B of the Exchange Act to any such municipal entity or obligated person with respect to the information and material contained in any communication; (c) Blueprint is acting for its own interests; and (d) any municipal entity or obligated person should discuss any information and material contained in this or any communication with any and all internal or external advisors and experts that the municipal entity or obligated person deems appropriate before acting on the information or material.

Our Financing Options

“Financing futures, not just schools — Blueprint handles the how, so you can focus on the why.”