This Project Briefing draws on the findings of a recent research study commissioned by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. The research was based on a large number of semi structured interviews with a variety of donor agencies, including bilaterals, multilaterals, foundations and NGOs, as well as case studies on two countries – Mali and Uganda. It outlines why, despite the rhetoric of political support for EFA, the sector has not attracted the necessary funding and suggests ways in which external support for basic education could be increased. The paper finds six key factors that appear to influence donor decisions around financing basic education.