FAQ

1.  Are there restrictions on the types of grants Fund for Teachers awards?
Grant funds may not be used to pursue degrees, pay indirect costs of salaries or support travel costs or conference fees for more than one person (with the exception of team applications).

2.  What if others travel with me?
All reimbursed expenses must be those incurred by you or your team members.

3.  Do we have to travel? What types of grants were awarded in the past?
No. Proposals from fellows who never left their communities have been funded. Click here to see a list of previously funded projects.

4.  Can individuals/teams submit more than one application?
Applicants may submit only ONE application, whether on a team or as an individual. Applications are judged on quality, not quantity. Identical applications will not be considered. Two teams or a set of individuals cannot submit identical applications to increase their spending limit. Proposals must be written by the person(s) participating in the fellowship. Proposals written by other parties will not be considered.

5.   Why do I need my principal’s signature?
Your principal’s signature is only verifying the information you have provided on your cover sheet. It is not “permission” or approval for your proposed fellowship.

6.   What if my project and/or prices change after I am awarded?
Please contact your Fund for Teachers representative immediately if you have changes to your project. In terms of prices, we hope that your proposed budget is realistic, but flexibility among categories does exist. For example, if the cost of airfare is lower than projected but the cost for accommodations comes in higher, a trade-off in funds is permissible. However, there are no supplemental funds to increase grants once they are awarded. Expenses incurred beyond grant limits are the responsibility of the fellow.

7. What if a team member drops out after the grant is awarded?
If a team member drops out, you must contact Fund for Teachers to negotiate a new budget or have a new team member cleared. If a portion of the grant must be returned, it should be returned to Fund for Teachers.

8. Are there additional funds available?
Fund for Teachers funds eligible grant recipients annually. Awardees may receive funding only once every five years.

9. Can the selection committee make adjustments to my budget?
Yes, if they feel you have under- or  overbudgeted or submitted unrealistic or unfounded estimates in your proposal.

10. Are grants considered taxable income?
Since grants vary, individuals are encouraged to check with their own tax preparers to ascertain how to report the funds received by Fund for Teachers.

11. Will I receive individual feedback if my proposal is not awarded?
Due to the number of applications received, we are unable to provide individual feedback. If your application was not chosen for funding, you are encouraged to reapply the following year.