News

MDR and Redrock Reports Announce Availability of
School Funding Services

Innovative, On-Demand Database Is One-Stop Source for Actionable Federal, State and Private Education Funding Information and Analysis

SHELTON, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 2006--When the Federal budget for fiscal year 2007 was released last month, educators nationwide were shocked to learn that funding for education programs would be some $2.1 billion less than last year. Key programs such as education technology state grants and vocational education were eliminated, while new ones such as a high school improvement initiative were added. The cuts and myriad changes in programs have sent educators scrambling to not only find new resources, but to navigate their way through the complexities of the federal funding process.

At the Florida Educational Technology Conference this week in Orlando, MDR and RedRock Reports are introducing a solution to this problem. The School Funding Services solution http://www.schoolfundingservices.com is a complete, turn-key system that offers a comprehensive, online database covering federal, state, local and private funding programs and updates, along with informative tips, analysis, and consulting services for K-12 education companies and educators, alike.

"There is a huge need for a professional business tool which provides both timely and accurate funding resource information," said Fady Khairallah, general manager of MDR. "We believe that School Funding Services fits the bill by giving education companies the opportunity to identify funding opportunities that will support schools' future programs and educational goals."

Subscribers to the School Funding Services comprehensive collection can choose from one of three subscription levels: Standard, Pro, or Enterprise Edition. The Standard Edition subscription includes access to the information database with five individual logins, SFS Alerts, automatic email updates with grant deadline reminders, new funding sources, changes in deadlines and grant award announcements, and a monthly newsletter with recaps of key events and changes in education funding along with informative tips and analysis of current funding legislation and policy.

The Pro Edition provides access to the database with eight individual logins, SFS Alerts, the newsletter, and additional services such as Webcasts, SFS Action Plans, step-by-step strategies for effectively applying available dollars, and "Snapshot" reports covering subject-specific funding information at both state and federal levels.

The Enterprise Edition, a unique package for larger companies, receives all of the services of the Pro Edition, plus more. All SFS subscribers also have on-request access to RedRock Reports' highly qualified education market consultants who offer education technology and publishing companies and their customers a host of funding support services. They include grant writing, grant selection to match grant funding opportunities with specific product offerings, and bid list placement to help companies get their products on state approved qualification lists. Additionally, RedRock Reports will work to customize business sales and marketing programs, as well as customer assistance programs, to maximize federal, state, and private funding opportunities.

"With the launch of this unique on-line service, MDR and RedRock Reports have charted a new course as the source for education funding information," said Jennifer House, Ph.D., president of RedRock Reports. "It is a wonderful and rare opportunity to provide the market with such a needed, valuable service."

About MDR

For over 36 years, MDR has provided leading sales and marketing solutions for businesses serving the education market. MDR's unparalleled institution and educator databases, tracking hundreds of demographic data elements, have formed the core of comprehensive solutions including: high-opportunity sales lead tools; direct marketing lists and database marketing services; targeted and timely e-mail channel market coverage; data warehouse and campaign management support; Web-based data access and analytics; custom market research including e-surveys and market trend analysis and reports. For more information please visit http://www.schooldata.com.

About RedRock Reports

RedRock Reports was created by industry veterans to provide the K-12 publishing, technology, and services community with accurate, comprehensive, and actionable information about education funding and funding trends. RedRock Reports delivers subscription products and custom consulting which helps education companies focus and target sales and marketing efforts while helping educators pursue current funding opportunities. For additional information please visit http://www.redrockreports.com.