Is the BWF application deadline firm?
Yes.
Can I submit a paper application?
No. BWF now requires that all applications for this program be submitted electronically. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Do I need to submit a Letter of Intent prior to beginning an application?
No. This program does not require a Letter of Intent.
Can the Letter of Support be sent separately?
No. The Supporting Letter from the Host must be converted to a PDF file and uploaded to the application for electronic submission by the deadline date.
Can Letters of Recommendation be included in the application?
No. Recommendation letters are not required and should not be included.
Is there a page limit on the CV?
No, but the four-page NIH-style biographical sketch is preferred.
Are there font or margin requirements for the research plan?
Use standard 11- or 12-point type for the text, and no smaller than 9 to 10-point type for figures, legends, tables, and diagrams. Text must be single-spaced, with one-inch or larger margins on all sides. The Research Plan is limited to three pages including figures and tables.
How serious are you about the page limit on the research plan?
All applicants must stay within the set three-page limit or the application will be rejected.
Does the bibliography to my Research Plan count toward the three-page maximum plan?
No. However, graphs, charts, and diagrams do count toward the three-page maximum. Abbreviations should be limited in the text.
What about figures, tables, graphs, diagrams, pictures included in my Research Plan? Are they included in the three-page limit or can they be included separately?
All figures, tables, graphs, diagrams, pictures, etc., included in your research plan count toward the three-page limit for the plan.
What is the Signature Page Form?
The Signature Page Form is an interactive PDF document that requires entry of information from the on-line application and provides signature lines for the Applicant and the Institutional Signing Official from your Institution. Electronic signatures are accepted. An application is not considered complete without the Signature Page Form. You must upload the Signature Page form with the original or electronic signatures by the deadline date.
What do you mean by electronic signatures?
The application requires actual signatures, either an original or a scanned "electronic" signature. Printed or typed names will not be accepted.
How do I access the Signature Page Form?
The Signature Page Form can be accessed on the Forms and Resources page of this website.
Who needs to sign the Signature Page Form?
Two people must sign the Signature Page Form:
- The Applicant - in the signature box marked “Signature of Applicant."
- The Official responsible for sponsored programs at the institution - in the signature box marked “Signature of Signing Official."
Can I fax the Signature Page Form by the application deadline?
No. Faxed documents will not be accepted. The Signature Page Form must be uploaded to the application.
Do I need to complete an application in one session?
No, you can start an application and return at a later time to complete the application. When beginning a new application, you are required to establish a log-in and password. At any time during the application process, you may click the "save and finish later" button, exit the application, and return at a later time. You may access saved applications on the BWF Grant Application System (via the BWF website).
Please note that all applications must be submitted by the deadline date.
How do I return to an incomplete application that I saved, but have not yet submitted?
To access saved applications, visit BWF's Grant Application System. At the time you begin an application, you are required to create a log-in and password. The same information can be used to access a saved application.
How do I submit my COMPLETED application?
Once the application has been completed and all documents have been uploaded, click the "Review and Submit" button at the bottom of the last page of the application. Review your application. If the application is not missing required items, a “Submit” button should be available at the bottom of the page. If a submit button is not available, the application is missing (one or more) required fields or attachments. Any missing items should be noted in red near the top of the page. Once you have completed all required items and clicked the “Submit” button, you will receive an email confirmation.
What internet browsers are compatible with BWF's Grant Application System?
Internet Explorer
Mozilla Firefox
Safari (for Mac)
Google Chrome 4
I forgot my User ID and/or Password. What should I do?
For a forgotten Password or User ID, visit BWF's Grant Application System and click the Forgotten Password link.
How can I convert a document to a PDF file?
You can use standard word processing software (e.g., MS Word, WordPerfect) to prepare the documents for your application. However, you MUST convert ALL documents to portable document format (PDF) files prior to uploading and attaching them to your application. For additional troubleshooting tips, see Troubleshooting PDF Issues.
A list of PDF generator software is available on the grants.gov website at: http://www07.grants.gov/help/download_software.jsp#pdf_conversion_programs.
Please note that BWF does not endorse or take responsibility for any of the software programs listed on the grants.gov website. Please review vendor websites for additional information.
Can I change my application once submitted?
No. Once your application is submitted, it cannot be changed.