Promoting Innovation in Science and Mathematics

Application Files

Request for Proposals
Application Instructions

Progress Reporting

Due Date: Two months after completion of the project (by August 31)

The PRISM Award is designed to support teaching professionals in their efforts to provide quality, hands-on, inquiry-based activities for their students. The award provides up to $3,000 for one year to cover the cost of equipment, materials, and supplies. An additional $1,500 may be requested for professional development related to the implementation of new equipment or the use of materials in the classroom. Reports are due two months after the project's completion but no later than August 31. Progress and Financial reports are to be submitted in Proposal Central.

1. Overview
   Provide a general overview of the materials purchased through the grant and any professional development activities (if requested). Explain how the requested materials, equipment, and supplies were used in your classroom to engage students in an innovative, hands-on curriculum in science or mathematics.
2. Impact
   In the initial application, you addressed the impact that you anticipated the project would have on students. Explain how the funded materials impacted your classroom.
3. Professional Development (if requested)
   If professional development funds were requested, explain what teachers learned through the professional development opportunity and how the training impacted teaching strategies in the classroom and implementation of the purchased materials to reach the desired outcomes for students.
4. Dissemination
   Did these funds have an impact outside of your classroom, such as in the school or district? Are there lessons learned that you can share with others?
5. Financial report
   Include an accounting of how the funds were spent. The report should include details on materials/equipment/supplies purchased. If professional development funds are requested, the report should outline the type and cost of professional development activities, including other expenses such as travel costs.

Report Submission
Submit the progress report and financial report in Proposal Central within two months of the completion of the project but no later than August 31. Questions may be directed to prism@bwfund.org

Forms

PRISM Report Guidelines
PRISM Progress Report Cover Page
PRISM Financial Report Template

Eligibility

Do North Carolina public charter school 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 Samantha Moore at smoore@bwfund.org 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. Please note that all applications must be submitted by 3:00 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 "Print Application" link at the bottom of the "Sign and Print" page.

How do I return to an incomplete application that I saved, but have not yet submitted?
To access saved applications for BWF programs, visit this https://proposalcentral.com/.

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" button on the Validate tab. Review your application. If the application is not missing the required items, you should be able to submit your application. If you are not able to submit, the application is missing (one or more) required fields. Click the "Validate" button 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 Samantha Moore at smoore@bwfund.org.

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 at smoore@bwfund.org.

I forgot my userid and/or password. What should I do?
For a forgotten password or userid, visit https://proposalcentral.com/ and click the forgotten password link.

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 complete the Signature Page with the original signatures by 3 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 "Applicant/PI."
The Principal - in the signature box marked "Principal."

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund recognizes the important role that K-12 teachers play in the lives of students by stimulating a passion for science and mathematics innovations. In this time of tight budgets, BWF wants to support teaching professionals in their efforts to provide quality hands-on, inquiry-based activities for their students. BWF launched this program to support North Carolina K-12 teachers in their efforts to promote excitement for science and mathematics in the classroom by providing grants for materials, equipment, and supplies related to the implementation of high quality curriculum and activities in the classroom.