This document, part of a five-volume set, summarizes the major results of a survey of FY 1973 Department of Health, Education, and Welfare obligations to institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations. The companion volumes contain data in tabular form covering Department support to: (1) institutions of higher education; (2) health professional schools, (3) nonprofit hospitals, and (4) other nonprofit organizations such as research institutes, operating foundations, and R & D centers. This summary volume highlights Department support in terms of specific types of science activities, fields of science, geographic and institution distribution of funds, and source of funds by constituent agency. (Author)