Since funding is not always available for the basic instructional programs, let alone the special programs needed to ensure that every student will make adequate yearly progress (AYP), many campuses and school districts are turning to grants. In the short term, grants are wonderful things that enable educators to build programs to meet the academic and other needs of students and their families. Grant programs usually result in more students being served, improved test scores, and a greater likelihood of making AYP. But grants are short-term fixes because when they end, the funds are gone--and there's no way to pay for the needed program. If the grants dried up, what would happen? That question caused the author to rethink basic school finance and develop a new system for school funding. Here, the author presents an overview of a system of alternative funding which he calls this concept the "milking stool construct" and discusses three different funding sources that provide a stable support system for all students: (1) taxes; (2) grants; and (3) fundraising foundation. Having this concept in place, the author provides some tips to help prepare for the undertaking.