Black professionals are not playing significant roles as recipients of grants from the federal government. In addition, blacks are not adequately represented in those disciplines which receive the greatest share of research support. The funding process at the federal level is dominated by white males who control the administrative positions, as well as the initial review committees. Most of the funded research on the black family is still under the control of white scientists. A major criticism of this research is that it tends to focus on pathology rather than strengths. It also tends to assume a uniformity of the black experience. Although not related specifically to black researchers, sixteen major reasons why research grant applications are turned down are provided. It is urged that black scientists and practitioners submit research proposals, and a series of suggestions for potential applicants are provided. The paper concludes with suggestions for future direction in family research in reference to the protection of human subjects, the significance of family or social indicator research, the needs for studies of children and families in natural settings, the development of social policies which are reflective of a pluralistic society, and the need to develop a comparative approach to family research within the context of black communities. (Author/AM)