FAQs - Eligibility

Are SSEP awards limited to NC?
The Student STEM Enrichment Program is limited to non-profit institutions within BWF’s home state of North Carolina. All students participating in SSEP projects should be North Carolina students.

What types of organizations in N.C. are eligible to apply?
Nonprofit organizations that are eligible to apply for SSEP awards include colleges and universities, community groups, museums and zoos, public and private schools, and scientific organizations that can provide scientific experiential activities for K-12 students. Nonprofits offering religious programming are not eligible to apply.

Can SSEP Proposals serve elementary students?
Yes, programs serving K-5 students and middle and high school programs are eligible.

Is teacher training supported through the Student STEM Enrichment Program Award?
The SSEP awards do not focus on teacher training. However, BWF recognizes the value of teacher training and will allow limited funding to enhance teachers' abilities to conduct innovative enrichment science activities for SSEP student participants. The Burroughs Wellcome Fund also awards the Career Award for STEM Teachers and PRISM awards to support classroom teachers and in-school activities.

Can we use the SSEP award to support classroom activities for students?
The SSEP award is designed to support out-of-school activities for K-12 school students. These activities should take place after school, on weekends, or during the summer. SSEP awards do not provide support for in-school classroom activities. If SSEP activities can be linked to in-school classroom activities, BWF will consider such proposals on an individual basis. Please contact BWF regarding such proposals.

How long are the awards?
The duration of SSEP awards is up to three years. Each grant provides up to $60,000 per year.

Can current awardees reapply?
A current awardee can reapply once for funding for the same program. Awardees must compete with the general pool of applicants and they will be expected to demonstrate successful outcomes from the earlier award and promise significant achievement from a new award. BWF encourages SSEP award recipients to develop strategies to sustain their programs after BWF support has ended. Applications from award recipients proposing a different program are not considered repeat applicants.

If our grant is funded, when will the award begin?
SSEP award recipients are announced by November of each year following the June deadline. The first installment of the SSEP award is made the following December. The Award Timeline shown in the navigation bar to the right provides the anticipated dates.

Is the BWF application deadline firm?
Yes.

Who do I contact for questions?
Contact information is provided in the navigation bar to the right. Eligibility or other questions may be directed to Alfred Mays.

FAQs - Logistics

The organization for my grant is my school or school district. The district does not have an IRS determination letter. What do we submit to demonstrate nonprofits' status?
​Public schools or school districts, including charter schools, may submit a letter of nonprofit intent. The letter should be on school or district letterhead and indicate that if the grant is received, it will be used for nonprofit purposes.

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 Samantha Moore 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" button, exit the application, and return at a later 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 "Print" link at the bottom of the page.

How do I return to an incomplete application that I saved, but have not yet submitted?
At the time of application, you were required to create a login and password. The same information can be used to access the 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 "Validate" tab. Review your application. If the application is not missing the 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 the required items and hit the submit button, you will receive an email confirmation.

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 Samantha Moore.

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.

Technical questions regarding use of the ProposalCentral system should be directed to:

ProposalCentral Support
1-800-875-2562
(8:30am to 5:00 pm ET M-F, except holidays)
pcsupport@altum.com

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 Samantha Moore.

FAQs - Format

Can letters of partnership be sent separately?
No. Letters of partnership (up to three may be provided) must be converted to PDF files and uploaded to the application for electronic submission along with the application. Faxed or emailed letters will not be accepted.

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 page limits. Only include requested materials. No supplemental materials will be accepted.

Can Letters of Recommendation be included in the application?
No. Only letters of partnership will be accepted.