Eligibility

Do North Carolina public charter schools teachers qualify to apply for these awards?
Teachers from charter and magnet schools in North Carolina are considered public school teachers and are eligible to apply for the PRISM award.

What type of licensure is required to apply for the Career Award?
To apply for the PRISM award, teaching professionals must currently be employed at a K-12 public school (including charters) and hold a professional educator's license to teach in a North Carolina K-12 public school. This includes those with licensure in elementary education.

Can I apply for this program if I do not teach in a public school in North Carolina?
No.

Logistics

How many times can someone receive a PRISM award?
Three.

Can I submit a paper application?
No. BWF requires that all applications be submitted electronically. Paper applications will not be accepted. If you are having trouble using the electronic process, contact Tiffanie Taylor at 919-991-5116 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.

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. You may access saved applications here. Please note that all applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the application deadline date.

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.

How do I return to an incomplete application that I saved, but have not yet submitted?
To access saved application for BWF programs, visit this website.

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 BWF immediately at 919-991-5116.

Can I change my application once submitted?
No. Once you application is submitted, it cannot be changed. If you need to make changes to a submitted application (before the application deadline date), please contact Tiffanie Taylor at 919-991-5116.

I forgot my userid and/or password. What should I do?
For a forgotten password or userid, visit the BWF grant application system login 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.

If you have any questions or difficulty with the conversion process, please contact Tiffanie Taylor at 919-991-5116.

Format

Are there font or margin requirements for the project plan?
Use standard 12-point font for the text, and no smaller than 9 to 10-point font for figures, legends, tables, and diagrams. Text must be single-spaced, with one-inch or larger margins on all sides.

How serious are you about the page limit on the project plan and other attachments?
All applicants must stay within the set word limits. Only include requested materials. No supplemental materials will be accepted

Signature Page

What is the Signature Page? How do I submit it?
The Signature Page provides signature lines for the Applicant and the Principal. An application is not considered complete without the Signature Page. You must upload the Signature Page with the original signatures by 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time by the application deadline dates. Printed or typed names will not be accepted. E-Signatures are accepted.

Who needs to sign the Signature Page?
Two people must sign the Signature Page:

The Applicant - in the signature box marked "Signature of Applicant."
The Principal - in the signature box marked "Principal."
How do I access the Signature Page Form?
The Signature Page in both WORD and PDF versions can be accessed on the forms and resources page of this program.

Can I fax the Signature Page by the application deadline?
No. Faxed documents will not be accepted.

Can I upload and attach an electronic version of the Signature Page (PDF file) to my application?
Yes. An electronic Signature Page must be uploaded by 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, by the application deadline date for the application to be submitted. Forms can be scanned and uploaded if necessary. Signatures must be on the form.