Format:

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. If you are having trouble using the electronic process, contact Melanie Scott (919/991-5107) for assistance.

Do I need to submit a Letter of Intent prior to beginning an application?

No. BWF does not require a letter of intent for this program prior to beginning an application.

How should the applications be formatted?

All documents should be in 12-point font and have one-inch margins. All required documents must be submitted and uploaded to BWF's Grant Application System as Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files. Standard word processing software (e.g., MS WORD, WordPerfect) can be used to prepare the attachments; however, all documents must be converted from standard Word processing format to Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files prior to being uploaded.

Do I need to outline all professional development activities over the entire five-year period?

Applicants do not need a detailed professional development plan for all five years - as it may change depending on what is learned through opportunities in year one and year two. The committee anticipates all applications will have a clear plan for year one and year two and "options" for years three through five.

Must I decide in advance what equipment to purchase in each of the five years and include all of that information in the proposal?

Applicants do not need a detailed budget for all five years of the award. Applicants should have a clear budget for year one and year two of the award. For years three through five, the budget can be general in nature and may include details on how you will make future decisions on equipment purchases.

Who should write the training plan?

Ideally, the training plan should be developed by the teacher with support and input from the principal and/or superintendent. Both the principal and superintendent should clearly endorse the plan in their letter of nomination and describe how they support the teacher in his/her efforts.

Is the sample lesson plan and sample of student work limited to five pages?

Yes.

Do I need to complete the application in one session?

No, you can start the 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. Please note that all applications must be submitted by September 18, 2012, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

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.

Logistics:

What internet browsers are compatible with the BWF grant application system?

Internet Explorer
Mozilla Firefox
Safari (for Mac)
Google Chrome

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

To access a saved application for BWF programs, visit https://www.GrantRequest.com/SID_227.  At the time of application, you were required to create a login and password. The same information can be used to access the 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 completed my application. How do I submit?

Once the application has been completed and all attachments have been uploaded, you will need to 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. Scroll to the top of the page and any missing items should be noted in red. Once you have completed all required items and hit the submit button, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not, please contact Melanie Scott, senior program associate, immediately at 919-991-5107.

Can I change my application once submitted?

No. Once your application is submitted it cannot be changed. If you need to make changes to a submitted application (before the application deadline date), please contact Melanie Scott at 919-991-5107.

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 log-in page 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.  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 review vendor websites for additional information.

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

If you have any questions or difficulty with the conversion process, please contact Melanie Scott at 919-991-5107.