General
Accessing the Application
Logistics

Are the BWF application deadlines firm?

Yes, both the preproposal and the full application deadlines are firm.

Did I need to submit a preproposal prior to submitting a full application?

Yes. BWF requires the submission of an electronic preproposal through BWF's web-based grant application system, due no later than the published deadline. The preproposal must be submitted by an applicant from a degree-granting institution in order to apply. Full application submission is by invitation only.

Can I submit a paper application?

No. BWF requires that all applications for this program be submitted electronically. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Is an institution allowed to submit multiple full applications?

Yes, if invited to do so. Full applications are by invitation only.

Is this award a planning grant?

No, the Institutional Program Unifying Population and Laboratory Based Sciences is a training grant.

Can support (recommendation, reference) letters be sent separately?

No. Letters of support (recommendation, reference) must be converted to PDF files and uploaded for electronic submission by the deadline date. Letters of support are required in full application only.

Are the page limits on the institutional proposal and other attachments firm?

Yes. All applicants must firmly adhere to the specified page limits for all attachments. Non-compliance will cause a delay in application processing and possibly elimination for review.

Do I have to submit the abstract for both the preproposal and the full application?

Yes, but you may submit the same abstract for both the preproposal and the full application.

Does an institution have to create a new program or can the base of the new program be on a developed program?

An institution may create a program based on a developed program. It would be expected that the program would be operational in a shorter amount of time than a newly created program.

Are there font or margin requirements for the full proposal?

Use standard 11- or 12-point font for the text, and no smaller than 9- to 10-point font type for figures, legends, tables, and diagrams. Text must be single-spaced, with one-half inch or larger margins on all sides.

Do I have to use the templates provided?

Yes, use of the templates is required. If you have Adobe Acrobat on your system, you can complete the forms online, save them to your system, and upload them to BWF's grant application system. If you ONLY have Adobe Reader (free software) on your system, complete the forms online, print the pages, scan them back in, and upload them to BWF's grant application system. You can also complete the MS Word version of the forms, convert to PDF, and upload them.

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 the portable document format (PDF) prior to uploading and attaching them to your application. If you have Adobe Acrobat on your system, you can complete the form online, save the form to your system, and upload it to BWF's Grant Application System. If you ONLY have Adobe Reader (free software) on your system, complete the form, print the pages, scan them back in, and upload them to the grant application system. You can also complete the MS Word version of the forms, convert to PDF and upload.

Can I change my application once submitted?

Once you submit the application, it cannot be changed.

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. 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 until it has been submitted.

Based upon the preproposal guidelines, only invited candidates can submit a full application.

How do I gain access to the application after I have been invited to submit a full application?

If you are invited to submit a full application, you will be notified by email.  The email will include a URL which will direct you to the full 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.)

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. Please note that BWF will not accept emailed applications.

I completed my application. How do I submit?

Once the application has been completed and all attachments have been uploaded in one PDF file, 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 BWF immediately at 919-991-5122.

Can I change my application once submitted?

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

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

Internet Explorer
Mozilla Firefox
Safari (for Mac)
Google Chrome

I forgot my user ID/password. What should I do?

For a forgotten password or user ID, access the BWF system log-in screen 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 website: grants.gov.

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. For assistance with PDFs, visit Troubleshooting PDFs.

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

For problems with the electronic application, please contact Jean Kramarik by email or phone at 919-991-5122.