Most of the 50 colleges and universities cited for top foundation grant levels are on the list yearly, and are the nation's wealthiest and most prestigious institutions. Generally, they have staff to pursue funding and faculty with high-profile research projects. Some observers say foundations like to be associated with those colleges. The 1994-95…

Under its new president, the Ford Foundation, a key grantmaker in the social sciences, is placing more emphasis on global issues. Changes include closer links in program areas and revitalization of area studies through encouragement of international scholarship. Regional directorships for some areas are being abandoned in favor of more fluid…