In order for an application to be submitted, each section of the application must be completed. We recommend starting your submission early to avoid last-minute complications.  Applications that are not in compliance with the instructions will be rejected out of fairness to all applicants. A complete application consists of:

• On-line data entry of Applicant and Institutional Information.
  The application contains online data entry screens requesting such information as applicant contact information, education and training background, the name of the institution where the proposed work will be performed, and contact information for officials at the nominating institution, including the applicant's dean/department chair.
• Upload of Requested Attachments as One Continuous PDF file.
  The following attachments must be uploaded as one continuous PDF file in the order listed. Standard word processing software (e.g., MS Word or WordPerfect) can be used to prepare the original documents.  Documents MUST be converted from standard word processing format to Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Files must then be combined into one continuous PDF file arranged in the order below.  The one PDF file must be uploaded to the application on BWF's grant application system.

The dean or department chair of the institution, who signs the Signature Page Form, must prepare a Letter of Nomination clearly presenting the institution's reasons for nominating the candidate, verifying that the candidate meets the awards eligibility requirements, and describing the expected impact of the award on the candidate's career.

• The letter should describe the focus and direction of the institution's research programs that are relevant to the proposed work and discuss how the applicant's research fits into the organization. The letter should also describe all program and institutional support that will be provided for the candidate, including such things as salary support, mentoring for career development, and protection of 75 percent of the grantee's time for research. 
• The letter must contain a signature and a signature block. 
• The letter should be forwarded to the applicant for inclusion in the on-line application.

Submit your biographical information using the Biosketch Form provided. Complete the educational block at the top of the page, and sections A, B, and C. Add additional pages as needed.  A sample biosketch is provided for your reference. The format is similar to the NIH-style biosketch, with differences shown in italics below:

• Positions and Honors. List in chronological order, concluding with present position. List any honors. 
  
• All Peer-reviewed Publications or Manuscripts in Press (in chronological order).  Manuscripts submitted may be included. Do not include abstracts of papers given at meetings. Separate peer-reviewed publications from non peer-reviewed publications. Indicate (*) your top three (3) publications.
  
• Research Support. List both current and pending grants and awards with proposal titles, names of the principal investigators, annual direct amounts, beginning and ending dates, and sources of support.

Using the Abstract Form provided, describe your proposed work in a Scientific Abstract that is understandable to a multidisciplinary group of scientific reviewers.

In no more than five (5) pages (including figures, tables, graphs, and images), describe your Research Plan. It should be a complete, cohesive, and coherent scientific document that is easy to read. In the order listed below, your plan should describe: 

• Specific aims. 
• Background and significance. 
• Experimental methods and procedures. 
• Long-term objectives. If the applicant has received or applied to other sources for extended support to cover research in the area of this proposal, explain in detail how the research to be supported by BWF's award will differ from or enhance the research supported by the other sources. 
• Use standard 11- or 12-point font for the text, and no smaller than a 9 to 10-point font for figures, legends, and tables.  This requirement will be strictly enforced. Text must be single-spaced, with one-half inch or larger margins on all sides. Number the pages of the research plan. Do not include a table of contents or appendices. A bibliography is a separate required attachment and is not considered part of the five-page limit.

Provide a list of literature references directly relevant to the research plan. The bibliography is not included in the five-page limit for the research plan.

Using the NIH-style Budget Form provided, prepare a budget that explains how the funds will be utilized, to include the following: 

• List proposed research expenses in general categories (e.g., equipment, consumable supplies, and travel). 
• Provide a summary justification of budget expenses. 
• Justify any proposed use of the award for salary support for the applicant (for example, to allow time for mentoring trainees) or for other laboratory or personnel who will work with the applicant.

Budget stipulations: 

• No indirect costs may be charged against the grant. Student tuition and fees are not allowed.
  
• Student stipends are allowed.
  
• Award recipients are allowed up to $20,000 per year to be used for salary support, including fringe benefits. There is no limit on use of the award for salary support for other laboratory or clinical personnel working with award recipients.
• Purchases of equipment should not exceed $20,000 per year and travel costs should not exceed $8,000 per year without written authorization.

Using the Facilities and Resources Form provided, describe the laboratory space, equipment, and other resources for research and training that will be available to the investigator.

Provide up to three publications or manuscripts submitted for publication that demonstrate your capabilities and relevant research accomplishments.

• Manuscripts in preparation may not be submitted.
• At least one reprint is required and up to three are allowed.

Using the Residency Form provided, check the appropriate box indicating citizenship or permanent residency. Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Canada must provide documentation of their permanent residency status. Permanent residents of the United States must attach a copy of their Permanent Resident Card or a copy of a current passport with an I-551 stamp. Permanent Residents of Canada must attach a copy of their Landed Immigrant Status form.

• Persons who have applied for permanent resident status, but have not received their government documentation by the time of application are not eligible. BWF will make NO exceptions to this policy.

Using the two-page Signature Form provided, enter the contact information and obtain the required signatures. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the institution's name and the institutional contacts are correctly entered.  The first page of the Signature Form must be signed by: 

• You, the applicant. 
• The Dean or Department Chair - Must be the same person you entered as the Dean/Department Chair for the Nominating Institution contact and the individual who signed your Letter of Nomination. 
• The Signing Official responsible for sponsored programs at the Degree-Granting Institution -  Must be the same person you entered as the Signing Official on the Signature Form.

Page two of the Signature Form should contain contact information for three individuals who are providing your recommendation letters. Original or electronic signatures are required. 

Three confidential (blind) Letters of Recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the applicant's qualifications are required.

• One letter must be from a recommender in a non-affiliated institution outside of the nominating institution. 
• Letters of Recommendation should be on letterhead with a signature block. 
• These letters must not be viewed by the applicant. 
• Each recommender must individually upload his/her Recommendation Letter in advance of the application deadline for the application to be submitted.
• It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that the recommenders have submitted their recommendation letters on time. An application will not be considered complete without all three recommendation letters uploaded by the recommenders by the application deadline.
• Letters of collaboration will not be accepted.

Details for requesting and uploading blind recommendation letters are provided in the on-line application and under Forms and Resources.