As part of a review of functions and administrative processes, the Illinois Board of Higher Education commissioned a comprehensive evaluation of higher education grant programs. The evaluation focused on the goals defined in the policy document, "The Illinois Commitment," and the extent to which the grant programs are contributing to the achievement of these goals. The evaluation process included a review of funding trends and the policy history of each program. Statutes, administrative rules, and policy studies were reviewed. Appropriations were considered in the context of the entire higher education budget, and participation in grant programs among sectors and methods of distribution were examined. Additional information was collected in a series of meetings in August 2000. Summaries of these discussions are included in section I of this report. Section II provides the findings of the evaluation and the consultants' recommendations for consideration by the Board of Higher Education. The programs evaluated were: (1) Health Education; (2) Financial Assistance; (3) Higher Education Cooperation ACT (usually known as HECA); (4) Engineering Equipment; (5) Educational Opportunity; (6) Work Study; (7) Graduate Incentive; (8) Research Matching; (9) Illinois Century Network; and (10 ) Eisenhower. Overall, the grant programs were found to have credible policy foundations. They have been administered with close attention to the priorities for higher education, and they reflect a substantial commitment to access and success for minority students. Many of the programs leverage higher education's resources effectively. Overall, there appears to be a high level of satisfaction with the grant programs among the higher education community. Some areas for improvement are outlined. An attachment contains the goals of the "Illinois Commitment." (SLD)