Grants for computer-oriented programs on college campuses are examined. The general pattern of funding during 1982 and grant programs of several foundations are addressed. The ways that colleges have used grant funds for computing activities are described through a series of case studies. Attention is directed to funding patterns across foundations and the experiences of six colleges that received grants from the Exxon Education Foundation. Study data were obtained from the "Foundation Grants Index." The six Exxon Foundation projects focused on computer literacy, faculty development, and curriculum redesign. Based on the Index, the 10 foundations that made more than three grants for computing to colleges are identified, along with the amount of the awards. A classification of the grants by use is also provided, which covers the following borad categories: academic (instruction and research), administrative, library, and other (unknown). Within these categories, the following uses of the grants are also indicated: hardware, software, facilities, research, and other. It is noted that slightly over half the grants awarded in 1982 were for academic computing, while grants for hardware consumed the largest percentage of external funds, followed by facilities. (SW)