Civic Builders
Wayfinder
How to engage + where Civic Builders fits in our pathways.
- Founded: 2002
- HQ: New York, NY
- Schools Supported: 100+ (nationwide)
- Students Served Annually: 52,000+
- Total Investment: $1.8B+ into students, schools, and communities
Mission
Civic Builders ensures that every child has access to an inspiring, equitable place to learn by financing and developing public charter schools in underserved communities.
Why It Matters
Facilities are among the largest structural barriers facing charter schools. Civic Builders transforms this challenge into opportunity by mobilizing affordable capital and building modern schools that anchor neighborhoods and expand opportunity for students historically left behind.
Alignment with The Change Lab
- Education and Opportunity: Expands access to high-quality learning environments that improve outcomes and civic readiness.
- Systems Change and Structural Power: Equitable finance and development shift who benefits from capital, property, and public goods.
Key Programs
- Facilities Investment Fund (FIF): $400M national loan platform providing below-market, fixed-rate financing and a Predevelopment Loan Fund.
- Turnkey Development Services: Site selection, feasibility, design, construction management, and code-compliant delivery.
- Strategic Advisory: Credit and development advisory, transaction structuring, and portfolio optimization for school growth.
Role in the Ecosystem
Civic Builders bridges finance, education, and community development. They convert philanthropy and commercial capital into durable educational infrastructure, partnering with CDFIs, foundations, banks, and local stakeholders to scale impact.
Quick Facts
- Impact100+ schools; 52,000+ students; $1.8B+ invested
- MilestonesExpanded FIF to $400M; launched Predevelopment Fund
- LeadershipCEO & Co-Founder David Umansky
