This guide's introduction, three sections, and two appendices elaborate on each of these steps it recommends when applying for funds to purchase educational equipment: (1) assess program needs and write a justification for the support sought; (2) review and select the funding sources that are the most appropriate; (3) develop and submit a well-planned and carefully prepared proposal to request and justify support; and (4) follow up the proposal with appropriate communications to the sponsoring organization. Section 1 presents information on various federal and state organizations and agencies that provide funds to educational programs. Section 2 provides recommendations and instructions for identifying program equipment needs and selecting funding sources. Section 3 presents guidelines, information, and directions to follow in preparing grant proposals and applications. Appendix A lists 54 foundations and funding organizations, along with information on what activities and items they typically fund and how to contact them. Appendix B contains the following worksheets proposal writers and managers may find helpful: proposal development and sign-off schedule; outline of a typical proposal; activity-task planning schedule; project timeline; personnel utilization matrix; sample format for a budget summary; and proposal checklist and evaluation form. The document concludes with six references. (CML)