National Grant Program:  Frequently Asked Questions

Receiving/Submitting Applications
When will this year's application be due?
The application process for the 2012 National Grant Competition is now closed. Grant recipients will be announced in April of 2012.

Can you fax me a copy of the Guidelines?
We do not fax the Guidelines. The complete application and guidelines are available via our website under Current Funding Opportunities.

Can I fax my completed application to the Foundation?
Due to the length of the application and the number of applications we receive we cannot accept faxed material.

Can I use a previous year's application form?
No, due to changes in the Guidelines and application forms, we will accept only the current year's application.


Writing/Compiling Applications
Can letters of support be sent separately?
No, letters of support will not be considered if sent under separate cover.

Can we exceed six double-spaced pages for the narrative?
As stated in the Guidelines, there is a six-page limit to the narrative. Applications that go over this limit will be considered ineligible. Try to be as concise as possible

Can I include single-spaced charts/tables in my narrative?
Single-spaced charts are fine but they must be legible. The amount of single spaced information should not exceed one page.

Should we include a cover letter?
No, it is not necessary to include a cover letter. As stated in the Guidelines, the entire application packet should not exceed 18 pages. Applications that exceed this limit will be considered ineligible.

What do you mean by "measurable objectives"?
We are looking for clearly stated instructional objectives, such as reading skills gains, GEDs, as well as clearly stated family and life skill objectives; parents reading more to children; families obtaining library cards; increased parental involvement in school; employment; and other indicators.  It is critical that instruments and strategies for measuring the achievement of your objectives are included in your proposal.


Cover Sheet
My organization does not fit into any of the types listed in the instructions. What should I do? 
Use the OTH ("Other") category.

My organization can be defined by several categories. Which should we choose?
Choose the category that is most descriptive. For example, if you are both LEA (Local Education Agency) and a CBO (community-based organization) choose LEA.

No one is available who can sign the Cover Sheet.
The cover sheet must be signed by an authorized official of your organization. For schools, a superintendent usually signs, in some cases a principal.


Attachments
I want to send an organizational newsletter, brochure, etc. as an attachment, but it will not fit within the required number of 8 pages allowed for the attachments.
Brochures, newsletters, etc. will be counted as one page. However, be aware that when copies are made for our reviewers, we also only copy the first page.

Do attachments need to be double-spaced?
No, as stated in the Guidelines, attachments do not have to be double-spaced.

What needs to be included in the attachments?
As stated in the Guidelines, required documents include letters of support from collaborating organizations, key staff resumes or job descriptions, and a site authorization, if other than applicant. Other materials that would assist the Foundation in considering your application may also be included. Do not include narrative related information in the appendices such as objectives, evaluation design, and schedules.


Budget
Is there a maximum percentage that is acceptable for indirect costs?
No, the Foundation sets no limit on indirect costs.

What is the difference between in-kind and other contributions?
In-Kind contributions include non-cash contributions such as food, books, program site, etc. These contributions can come from the organization writing the grant proposal or others, such as a local newspaper, partner organization, etc. "Other Contributions" include money that comes from federal, state, or local government, foundations, and community organizations to help support this program. Both categories refer only to contributions to the proposed project.

Is software considered a capital expenditure?
No. Equipment, vehicles, computers, etc. fit this category and should not exceed 15% of your proposed budget.

Should my budget represent the budget for the entire organization or only the proposed project?
Your budget should represent only the budget for the project that you are proposing to the Foundation.

Is there a maximum percentage of Foundation funds that can be used for salaries?
No, the Foundation sets no limits on salaries.

What is a statement of fiscal accountability?
Acceptable statements of fiscal accountability may include audited financial statements, tax returns, or other "official" certification of financial status. However, remember that you are limited in the number of attachments and pages of narrative you can have.
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