Launching and sustaining a laptop initiative is an expensive proposition. For that reason, districts often begin with modest pilots or roll out programs incrementally, a grade or two at a time. These days, few, if any, public school districts have budgets to finance full-service 1-to-1 programs. Instead, some seek outside assistance. Private foundations promoting education reform and development offer grants with millions of dollars available. The grants come in all sizes and with varying strings attached. Some are awarded on a onetime basis; others can be renewed annually, often based on previous results and achievement. Single-issue public bonds are another option. Some districts have had great success appealing to their communities to approve bonds to pay for specific projects. The key, of course, is having a plan that persuades parents, civic leaders and the community at large that it is money well-spent. Often, even that is not enough.