"National CrossTalk" is a publication of the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education. The National Center promotes public policies that enhance opportunities for quality education and training beyond high school. The primary purpose of "National CrossTalk" is to stimulate informed discussion and debate of higher…

In an analysis of the National Endowment for the Arts, which represents the national government's direct involvement in support of the arts, the author considers that agency's impact, its policy changes, its funding priorities, and its politicization since 1965. (SJL)

The question of whether foundations should engage in activities having a bearing on public policy development is discussed. Tax exempt private foundations have had a long, controversial history of participation in public policy formation. They contribute to policy development by means of various techniques that include support of established…

Focuses on key policy issues surrounding the provisions of state-funded prekindergarten programs. Issues examined include program standards, stability, and continuity; program funding; coordination and continuity of educational services; program eligibility; and the relationship between prekindergarten programs and educational reform. (Author/BB)

This public policy report focuses on financing child care in the United States. The report contains brief articles on the following topics: (1) child care wages in comparison to other positions; (2) benefits to businesses when employees have high-quality child care; (3) resources for funding early education systems; (4) comparison of the cost of…

Foundation involvement in policy development for public education raises basic questions concerning the control of a prime societal function. During the Cold War era (1945-1970) the Carnegie Corporation of New York funded projects according to its philosophical interests, using its financial and organizational prominence and cooperative strategies…

This report describes some of the major efforts undertaken by the Ford Foundation to provide decent housing. Their approach to the problem is said to have evolved through three interlocking stages: increasing the supply of housing through support for technical advisory services to non-profit groups engaged in building low and moderate-rental…