This book, a collection of six papers by different authors, examines grants consolidation or the combining of several categorical programs into a single broader category serving the same target populations. According to the book, grants consolidation is seen as a possible compromise between the extremes of narrow categorical aid and unrestricted general revenue sharing. Section 1 offers different frameworks for viewing grants consolidation and for evaluating the probable consequences. Section 2 examines the strengths and weaknesses of the categorical system and available policy options. A final section focuses on the potential effects of grants consolidation on the educational system. An annotated bibliography is included. (Author/LD)