A method, system, and program for coordinating use of independent external resources within requesting grid environments. A external resource dispatcher receives requests for use of external resources. The external resource dispatcher controls the dispatch of a pool of external resources hidden from the grid management systems of requesting grid clients. In particular, the external resource dispatcher coordinates dispatch of a selection of the external resources for temporary registration with a requesting grid client management system. The requesting grid client management system registers the external resources for use within the grid client and monitors whether the external resources are still needed. When a requesting grid client no longer needs a dispatched external resource, the external resource dispatcher controls detachment of the dispatched external resource and returns the external resource to the available pool of external resources.