General
Accessing the Application
Logistics
Signature Form

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. BWF does not require a letter of intent prior to beginning an application for this program. However, you MUST be nominated by a degree-granting institution in order to apply to this program. An “institution” includes its medical school, graduate schools, and all affiliated hospitals or research institutes. You should contact the appropriate officials (generally the grants office, office of research, or office of sponsored programs) for information about the nomination process at your institution.

Can I change my application once submitted?

No.  Once your application is submitted, it cannot be changed.

Can I receive a copy of my online application form?

You can print a copy of your application as you are completing the online application form by clicking the "Printer Friendly Version" link at the top of the page.  You may also click the "Email Draft" link to email a copy of the application.  Note that BWF does not accept emailed applications.

Can Letters of Recommendation be sent to BWF separately?

No. Letters of Recommendation (three are required) must be converted to PDF files and uploaded to the application for electronic submission by the Recommender and by the deadline date. It is highly recommended that all Letters of Recommendation be uploaded to the application a week before the deadline date. An application can only be submitted when it is complete. For requirements, see "Recommendation Letters" under the application proposal section.

Can Letters of Collaboration be included in the application?

No. Collaborative situations can be described in the five-page Research Plan - there is no need for individual collaborative letters.

How serious are you about the page limit on the research plan?

All applicants must stay within the set five-page limit or the application will be rejected.

Does the bibliography count toward the five-page maximum Research Plan?

No. It is considered part of the required supporting materials. However, graphs, charts, and diagrams do count toward the five-page maximum. Abbreviations should be limited in the text.

What about figures, tables, graph, diagrams, pictures included in my research plan? Are they included in the five-page limit or can they be included separately?

All figures, tables, graphs, diagrams, pictures, etc., included in your research plan count toward the five-page limit for the plan.

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-half inch or larger margins on all sides. The Research Plan is limited to five pages including figures and tables.

What is a “signature block” as required in the Letter of Nomination and Recommendation Letters?

A signature block is a legible (typed) identification of the letter writer.  It is found at the end of the letter and includes the letter writer’s name, title(s), department(s), and institution. The signature block should be placed under the letter writer’s signature. For example:

Jane Smith, M.D., Ph.D.
Chair and Professor, Department of Medicine
ABC University

I forgot my user id and/or password. What should I do?

For a forgotten password or user id, visit the BWF grant application system and click the forgotten password link.

What internet browsers are compatible with the BWF Grant Application System?

Internet Explorer
Mozilla Firefox
Safari (for Mac)
Google Chrome

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. Saved applications are accessed through a different link than the one used to begin the initial application. You may access saved applications on the BWF grant application system. Please note that all applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, November 1, 2012.

How do I return to an incomplete application that I saved, but have not yet submitted?

To access saved application for BWF programs, visit BWF's Grant Application System. At the time you begin an application, you are required to create a login and password. The same information can be used to access a saved application. Note: There are two separate links to the BWF Grant Application System (one to start a new application and one to access a saved application.)

I'm having trouble using the online application system to request a confidential recommendation letter.  What should I do?

For detailed instructions on how to request a confidential letter, see Applicant Instructions for Requesting a Confidential Letter.  For help with troubleshooting problems with this process, see Troubleshooting Letters of Recommendation.  If you continue to experience difficulties, contact Jean Kramarik, Senior Program Associate, by email or phone (919-991-5122).

How do I use the templates provided to prepare the application?

You must download the type of form you will use (both a word and PDF version will be provided), completely enter all required information and save your documents. 

How do I convert the attachment documents to one PDF file?

If you do not have access to Adobe Software, 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. This website will assist you in converting and combining your documents into one PDF file.

Please note that BWF does not endorse or take responsibility for any of the software programs listed on the grants.gov website. 

What is the order of documents and how are the attachments submitted?

All attachments must be uploaded and submitted as one (1) continuous PDF file in the following order:

1. 1.  Letter of Nomination
2. 2.  Candidate's Biosketch (CV) (template provided, add pages as needed)
3. 3.  Scientific Abstract (one page limit; template provided)
4. 4.  Research Plan (five-page limit)
5. 5.  Bibliography
6. 6.  Budget and Budget Justification (template provided)
7. 7.  Facilities and Resources (template provided)
8. 8.  Reprints (one is required and two additional reprints are optional)
9. 9.  Citizenship/Permanent Residency Form  and Documentation (template provided)
10. 10.  Two-Page Signature Form (template provided; E-Signature accepted)

Items 1-10 must be ordered as shown, combined into one PDF file.  You will then upload the file to the on-line application.

I completed my application. How do I submit?

Once the application has been completed and all attachments 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. If you do not, please contact Jean Kramarik, senior program associate, immediately at 919-991-5122.

If I’m having trouble with the electronic application, whom can I contact for help?

For questions with the electronic application, please contact Jean Kramarik via email or by phone (919) 991-5122.

What is the Signature Page Form?

The two-page Signature Form is an interactive PDF document that requires information and signatures of the Applicant, the Institutional Signing Official, and the Dean or Department Chair who wrote your Letter of Nomination and must be submitted with the application (see How are attachments submitted?) E-Signatures are accepted.

What is an E-Signature?

BWF considers an electronic signature (or e-signature) to be either an image of a person's actual signature (a scanned signature) or an official digital signature.  Typing a person's name or initials into a form is not acceptable.

How do I access the Signature Page Form?

The Signature Page Form can be accessed under Forms and Resources.

Who needs to sign the two-page Signature Page Form?

Three people must sign the Signature Page Form: 

1. 1.  The Applicant - in the signature box marked “Signature of Applicant." 
2. 2.  The sponsoring Dean or Department Chair, who wrote the Letter of Nomination - in the signature box marked "Dean/Department Chair.” 
3. 3.  The Official responsible for sponsored programs at the Degree-Granting Institution - in the signature box marked “Signature of Signing Official."

Are faxed documents of any nature permitted?

No.