Although the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title I and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are designed to help public schools, concerns were raised during 1997 congressional hearings about whether public charter schools receive their proper share of these funds. This report examines how selected states allocate Title I and IDEA funds to charter and other public schools and identifies factors helping and hindering charter schools' access to funds in various states. Researchers conducted case studies in 7 states that collectively included 91 percent of the 480 charter schools reportedly operating during 1996-97. The final sample had 41 schools. Generally, states allocate funds for charter schools either directly or indirectly via a parent school district. About two-fifths of the charter schools surveyed received Title I funds; slightly over half received IDEA funds or IDEA-funded special education services. Most charter schools did not receive funds or did not apply for them. Access barriers included lack of enrollment and student eligibility data to submit to states and the application time and costs considerations. Charter school operators most often cited training, technical assistance, and notification of their eligibility as factors helping them access funds. Several states and the Department of Education have begun initiatives, such as alternative allocation policies, to help charter schools access federal funds. Included are five appendices, several figures and tables, and a summary of results. (MLH)