SEARCHING

About the Data

Find out where the grant data comes from, and what years and philanthropies are included.

How to Search

Information, tips and tricks for making your search more successful

Search

Grants – search grants based on their stated purpose
Recipients – search all grants to a particular recipient
Funders – search for organizations or individuals that are funding grants
People – search for people who benefit from grant funds
Website – search the website for specific text
Advanced search – specifiy multiple criteria
All-in-one search – search the website and the database at the same time for specific text

MEDIA TRANSPARENCY

Sign-up for our newsletter

Register

Only registered visitors are allowed to email content or post comments

Support Media Transparency

Your help is essential to this website

AROUND THE WEB

Center for Media and Democracy
September 5, 2005
Spin Watch

The Education Department's Paid Apple Polishers

Source: USA Today, September 3, 2005

An "angry op-ed" in the Dallas Morning News claimed the city's school system was "limiting the future and opportunities for our children" by not enacting policies mandated under the federal No Child Left Behind law more quickly. The author, Marcela Garcini, described herself as a "ninja parent," neglecting to disclose that the nonprofit organization she heads [Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options] had "received two unsolicited grants, totaling $900,000, from the U.S. Education Department."

USA Today reports, "Federal investigators probing the department's public relations contracts ... say the department has given nearly $4.7 million to groups including Garcini's to promote administration education priorities since 2002, but that in 10 of 11 cases examined, the groups didn't disclose - in print, on radio or in other media, such as brochures or handbooks - that taxpayer funds were used." Such disclosure is mandated by law, but the department's Inspector General says these lapses do not constitute "covert propaganda."

Also see:

Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options

Read the story >