In order for an application to be submitted, each section of the application must be completed. Applications that are not in compliance with proposal instructions will be rejected out of fairness to all applicants. All attachments must be uploaded as Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files.
The following sections are required:
- On-line data entry of general proposal information
- Upload of requested project plan and other attachments.
General Proposal Information (on-line data entry)
The application contains on-line data entry screens requesting such information as project director information, applying organization information, request amount, start/end dates, and certain program demographics (such as program location, grade level of targeted students, etc.). A brief project description is also requested (350 words). This information will need to be provided when you access the BWF grant application system and must be entered prior to submission.
Project Plan and Other Attachments (Requires upload of attachments)
Each attachment must be typed (single-sided and single spaced, using 12-point font size) with one inch or larger margins on all sides.) Do not include a cover letter or supplemental materials not specifically requested. All documents must be submitted in Adobe Portable Format (PDF). Documents can be uploaded to BWF's grant application system in the "attachments" section. Begin all file names with the attachment type, such as Project Plan, Budget, CUI, etc.
Project Plan (consists of seven components)
In one PDF document, include the components noted below in the listed order. Number each page of this section, starting with the project narrative.
Executive Summary (not to exceed one page). Describe the project, including its overall objectives.
Project narrative (no more than five pages). Describe the project and its goals. Clearly explain the types of activities in which the students will be engaged. Each student participant should receive more than 10 contact hours over the course of participation in the program.
The narrative should answer the following questions:
-
In what science and mathematics activities will students be engaged?
-
What knowledge and skills will students be expected to learn about science, mathematics, and the investigative process?
-
What instructional materials and resources will be used, including how technology will be integrated into program activities (i.e. work books, experiment kits, and the Internet)?
-
Which of the various guidelines will be represented prominently in the activity?
-
How will the various activities contribute to the three Program Goals and to other goals (if any) that are specific to the project?
-
How do the activities align with the North Carolina Science Standard Course of Study for the grade levels of the participants?
-
What are the time line and implementation plan?
-
What are the career-guidance activities to be provided?
-
What are the academic-year activities offered by summer programs?
Recruitment (no more than one page). Describe how students will be identified and recruited into the program. Applicants should use a diverse set of criteria and include a plan for targeting specific groups of students, including traditional methods, such as test scores, and nontraditional methods proposed by the applying organization to identify students for participation.
Staff capacity (no more than one page). Describe the type and level of interaction between the project staff and the students, focusing in particular on the appropriateness of the number of staff compared with the number of students, types of activities provided, and experience with students’ age group. Estimate the total number of hours of direct contact between the staff and students.
Organizational capacity (no more than one page). Describe the organization’s (and partners) commitment to the project. Include information on major facilities to be used, including significant equipment, supplies, and resources that will be available to students. In cases of partnerships, the project narrative should describe in detail the personnel, facilities, equipment, and other resources that will be provided by each partner.
Evaluation (no more than one page). Present a plan for evaluating the program’s accomplishment of objectives. Describe how the project will be evaluated for impact on students’ competence in science, their enthusiasm for science, and their interest in science careers. Include who will do the evaluation and how it will be supported. Describe the particular methods to be used, sources of information (e.g., students, teachers, parents), test instruments, schedule of data collection activities, and how interim data will be used in a formative way to guide mid-course corrections. Refer to BWF's evaluation resources for suggestions on evaluation data.
Include standardized evaluation information that describes who will conduct program evaluation, what evaluation will cost, how evaluation activities will be funded, and what role partners will have in the evaluation process. Past SSEP award recipients should give student outcome data from previous award activities and be explicit in describing how lessons learned have been integrated into continuing or expanding the program design.
Replication, dissemination, and linkage to other activities (no more than one page). Describe whether and how the project can be replicated by other organizations. Describe any plans to disseminate the project’s methods and materials to users in other settings or efforts to link the program to other projects. Describe any plans to sustain your work beyond BWF funding. Applicants re-applying for a previously funded program must demonstrate strategies for sustaining the program beyond BWF funding.
Other Attachments
Curricula Vitae (no more than three CVs; no more than two pages per CV)
Upload a PDF file for each two-page CV for up to three individuals responsible for the project. On each CV, be sure to include the name, contact information (including address, phone, and email), education and training, experience in science education, and the scientific background for the individual. Upload to the grant application system as CV1, CV2, and CV3.
Budget (form provided)
The grant provides up to $60,000 per year for three years for a maximum of $180,000. Provide a budget, using the form provided, itemizing how the grant will be used by year.
Most of the grant must be spent on activities that directly benefit students (for example, student stipends, transportation, supplies, equipment, and evaluation). To demonstrate effective cost sharing among partners, complete the "Other Funding Sources" section of the form. Include support requested from both the sponsoring organization and other sources.
No more than one-third of the budget can be used for administrative salaries and fringe benefits for program instructors or coordinators. No indirect costs may be charged against the grant. The grant cannot be used for capital improvements. Please check the accuracy of all figures.
Download the Microsoft Excel budget form. Complete the form, save a copy on your computer system, and convert to PDF. Upload the PDF version to the application.
Budget Justification
SSEP awards focus primarily on student needs. Address the appropriateness of any funding being requested for staffing, teacher stipends, etc. The Advisory Committee will assess these expenses analyzing the need with the level of student participation. The rationale for such requests must be concise and relevant to the success of the program. Also provide details on major equipment purchases and other major expenses.
Letters From Project Partners (optional no more than three letters)
In cases of partnerships, letters of agreement must be provided from up to three outside groups or individuals who will participate. The letters must be specific about funds, personnel, facilities, equipment, and other resources to be provided. General nondescriptive support letters will not be viewed favorably. BWF strongly encourages applicants to upload letters containing the partnering organization’s letterhead. Letters MUST be submitted with the application by the application deadline. Letters should be uploaded to BWFs grant application system as Letter1, Letter2, etc.
Documentation of Nonprofit Status
The applicant MUST upload documentation of the organization’s nonprofit status, such as an IRS letter documenting its tax exempt 501(c)(3) status. Public schools may provide a letter on school letterhead noting the nonprofit intent of the grant.