The economy has school districts in a stranglehold. But there is a way out. Despite beliefs to the contrary, the grant money pot has not dried up. The author's book "Successful Grant Writing for School Leaders: 10 Easy Steps" shares strategies and success stories from some of his own 30 school grants and from school districts small and large, rural and urban. The goal is to build a steady flow of significant income as a result of well-written grants for the school system. In this article, the author describes three scenarios which suggest that successful pursuit of outside funds often involves partnering with local businesses, social institutions and other school districts. The author illustrates the successful route taken by three districts.