Grant Formulas: A Catalog of Federal Aid to States and Localities.
Abstract
The need for congressional oversight of formula grants has become more important as formulas are increasingly relied on to distribute federal assistance to state and local governments. 87% In FY 1984, 87% of all federal grants-in-aid to state and local governments were distributed by formula, compared with an estimated two-thirds in FY 1975. Formula grants are grants in which a structured mathematical statement and data elements, such as statistical data, are used to (1) allocate funds to eligible recipients, or (2) determine a potential grant recipient's eligibility to receive funds, or both. This report is a resource document that provides information about the mathematical structure and statistical data used in formulas to allocate federal aid to state and local governments. By providing a broader understanding of how formulas are designed and operated to implement federal policy goals, the report is intended to help the Congress conduct its oversight responsibilities for these programs. A catalog at the end of the report describes 142 programs that distributed about $85 billion in formula grants to state and local governments in FY 1984. Keywords: Research management; Grants allocations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA179288
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office