AAWGT 2018 ONLINE GRANT APPLICATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
These are answers to Frequently Asked Questions about theAnne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT) grants process, especially regarding the technological aspects of the online application process. Additional information will be added as new questions arise.
Please read the Grant Application Instructions and the following “FAQs” before beginning the online application process. This information will help facilitate your use of our online system and ensure that you are able to provide the information necessary for submission.
Can multiple non-profits work together to submit an application?
AAWGT (and the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County who is the actual granting organization) will only contract with one organization but that organization is free to partner with other non-profits. Financial and 501(c)(3) status information is only required from the organization that will receive the grant funds. Information relating to the partner organizations and the role of each should be described in the narrative.
I am unable to attend the AAWGT workshop for applicants on January 3, 2018. Can I get a copy of the presentations?
The PowerPoint slides are available in PDF format here. (Links will be available after January 3).
Can I create more than one user name and email address for my organization?
Please DO NOT log-on for your organization under different user names. The system tracks user email addresses and Employer Identification Numbers (EIN); you will not be able to create more than one log-on with one email address. If you forgot your user name or password, use the online reminder.
Who should be our primary contact in your system?
Applications should be completed and submitted by the person who will be responsible for all grant related follow-up reporting. Our online system will only assign an application/grant to one person. If you have staff turnover, be sure to contact us to update your users in the system. We will delete users no longer associated with your organization; this is an important security issue for your organization’s grant account.
What do I do if I forget my password?
If you forget your password, you may have a reminder sent to your email.
- From the log-in page, click the link labeled “Forgot your password?”
- Enter the email address associated with your online account and click “Send Reminder”
- You will receive an email containing the password from .
- This reminder may take from 5 to 30 minutes to be sent. Please be sure that the reminder email does not go into your junk or spam email.
Can I make changes to my application?
Prior to submitting the application, you may edit your answers as often as you like. However, once you submit an application, you cannot change your answers.
How often do I need to save my work online?
When logging on to a session when you are working on your application, be sure to save your data every 5-10 minutes. If you are logged-in with no activity for more than 40 minutes, the system will automatically log you off and your data will be lost if not saved.
Will I know if I have errors on my application before I submit it?
When you complete a page/application and hit the ‘next page’ button, you will receive immediate notification if a field requires attention. You must provide the data before continuing to the next application page. Fields that are required are indicated with “*”. The applicant is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided. You can copy and paste narrative passages from Word documents. The ability to use spell-check depends upon the internet browser you are using.
Does the character count include spaces?
Yes. Spaces count as characters for the total character count.
How do I submit my required Excel budget documents?
Click on “(Here)” in the instructions in the application document.
OPEN (not save) to Downloads.
Click on the “SAVE AS” button.
Rename the file for your own use and “SAVE” to your desktop from the temporary file. Once on your desktop,fill out the form with the required financial information. You can make edits on the form if you want.
Upload the Excel form to the application from your desktop using the UPLOAD button in the application document instructions.
How do I submit my required supplemental documents?
In certain sections of the grant application you are required to upload supporting documents including a list of your current Board members and your organization’s most recent budget and financial documents. It is suggested that these documents be in a PDF format to upload to your application from your files. It is also suggested that you prepare these documents in advance so that you can easily upload them at the time of submission.
What if I don’t have electronic copies of my financial audit/review (or other documents) to upload to the application?
If you do not have the required documents in an electronic file, you will need to create one by scanning the document and saving it to your desktop. You will upload the document from your desktop. You will need to scan at the lowest resolution possible in order to conserve digital space.
What if our organization does not have a scanner?
There is a tool that is called “Fax to File” that converts documents from hard copy to digital format so that they may be uploaded into the grant application. Once you have signed in through the grants portal, on the left-hand menu of the application, choose the “Fax to File” option under the “tools” heading. Click on the Fax to File option and a new window will open that provides directions on how to access this tool. You will need access to a fax machine to convert the documents. If you do not have a fax machine, a commercial copy center should be able to assist you.
Can I submit a paper application or supporting documentation?
No. Only electronically submitted applications will be considered.
Will I have access to my online account after I submit an application?
Yes. When you create an organization account, you are creating a permanent account that will be used for both the application process and grant reporting if your organization is selected as a grantee.
Can I print a copy of my completed application?
Yes. At the top of the application, please find a link labeled “Print Packet”. Click on this link, and then use the “Print” button in your internet browser to print the application.
Can I print out documents from our organization account?
Yes. All documents may be printed from your account; this includes applications, follow-up forms, reports, etc. Click on the “view” link to open the document and then open and print the document using your browser print controls.
How can I get more help with using the online application process?
You are encouraged to start your application well before the deadline and to make use of the tutorial resources provided. If you have further questions you may contact the AAWGT Help Desk by sending an email to . Please give a phone number at which you can be reached. After January 1, you may expect assistance within 48 hours.
What is the new Momentum Grant?NEW
The Momentum Grant is a two-year grant being offered as a pilot in 2018 for the first time. It is a grant for one year with an option to renew for a second year without reapplying. The purpose of the Momentum Grant is to allow an organization to expand upon the program/project of the single-year grant. The Momentum Grant must have measurable outcomes that are in addition to what the single-year grant demonstrates.Second year funding is not guaranteed, but if the organization is progressing well towards the measurable outcomes identified in the grant, the second year will be awarded.Funding is $20,000 per year. There will be one Momentum Grant awarded in 2018.
Does the Momentum Grant require a separate application?NEW
No, there is only one application. Questions for the Momentum Grant are added to the end of the single year application.
Can I apply just for the Momentum Grant?NEW
No. All organizations MUST apply for the single year grant. Only the Momentum Grant is optional.
Is the second year of funding guaranteed for the Momentum Grant?NEW
No. Second year funding is not guaranteed but if the organization is progressing well toward the measurable outcomes identified in the grant, the second year will be awarded.
What are the Momentum Grant guidelines?NEW
- Organizations that have annual operating revenues of $500,000 or less are eligible to apply
- Organizations must apply for no more and no less than $20,000 per year
- The Momentum Grant will be awarded to an organization that identifies additional or expanded measurable outcomes from having the grant for two years rather than just one year
- If receiving a two-year Momentum Grant would give an organization four consecutive years of funding from AAWGT, then it is not eligible to apply
- An organization cannot receive a Momentum Grant and a single year grant in the same year
- If an organization receives a Momentum Grant, it is not eligible to apply for a separate single year grant the second year even if the programs/projects are different
Does AAWGT fund operational expenses?NEW
Yes. AAWGT will fund either operational or project-related expenses. Notice that the application has been changed to use the term “program/project” rather than “project.” AAWGT will fund aspects of an organization’s entire program or a separate project.
Would AAWGT consider a request to fund rental assistance?NEW
Yes, the restriction on rental assistance funding was removed for the 2017 grant cycle and beyond.
Are large local organizations considered competitive candidates for grant awards from AAWGT?NEW
AAWGT considers grant applications from organizations of all sizes for the single year grant. Only organizations with annual operating revenues of $500,000 or less are eligible for the Momentum Grant. In order for larger organizations to be competitive for a potential single-year grant, they should clearly articulate specifically why the program or project they are including in the application has difficulty finding funding from other sources (business revenue and/or alternate funders).
How can I strengthen my application?
The “Tips for Writing Grant Proposals” on this website should be helpful in producing a well written application. In addition, the following aspects of the content of your proposal should be considered.
-Make sure your proposal describes a cohesive program/project plan. Avoid multiple disparate project ideas.
-Describe your proposed activities in sufficient detail to ensure the intended outcome of the program/project you plan to undertake is clear.
-Demonstrate that you understand the multiple needs of your recipients and how to address those needs in the delivery of your program/project.
-Focus and concentrate your program/project activities to have significant impact on participants and to ensure your intent and effectiveness are not diluted.
-Provide evidence of why/how your program/project will have the desired impact.
-Consider whether you could partner with another organization to achieve the same goal and/or whether such a partnership might strengthen your proposal.
Can you describe more about outcomes?
Defining the outcomes you want to achieve assists in creating a strong program or project and ensures its ultimate success in meeting the needs of its clients. The outcomes must be clear and measurable.
-Envision the specific qualitative impact your program/project will have on the lives of your participants. What difference will it make to their well-being? What meaningful change will it create to address the need?
-“Outcomes” anticipate the specific effect your program/project will have on the lives of your participants to achieve the impact you envision. Some programs may help an organization better serve hundreds of people; others may make a profound change in the lives of a few individuals; some projects will help whole families achieve self-sufficiency.
-Outcome measures determine whether you are achieving the purpose of the program/project by describing how the program/project’s activities changed participants in significant ways. Outcome statements articulate specific changes in participants’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, behavior, condition, or status. Outcome measures describe observable, measurable characteristics or changes that represent achievement of an outcome. Outcome measures should utilize data to the extent possible. When using metrics isn’t feasible, outcomes may also be measured by before-and-after interviewing or anecdotal information.
-“Outputs” are the activities done to achieve the desired outcomes. They are usually measured in terms of the volume of work. While the number of participants you will serve and the frequency of contact you will have with them are important, these program “output” measures only describe measures of activity and will not tell the whole story of the success of your program/project.
Significant change may take several years to achieve both in organizations and in people’s lives. Acknowledge that and indicate how this is reflected in your program/project plan (i.e., relate your program/project’s short-term anticipated outcomes to achieving your long-term goals).
Are there any resources on the internet on how to write a grant application?
The Foundation Center provides a good general online resource called Grant Space ( In particular, they provide an abundance of training options: There is a calendar of such training resources at
In addition, the Annapolis Regional Library on West Street in Annapolis has a local branch of the Foundation Center which provides access to a database for grant-seekers to find funders and also enables the library staff to hold free training sessions for nonprofits on grant writing. There are also many books available, both in reference, circulating and online as ebooks. Their resources can be accessed at
If my application is submitted with all required documents, does this mean our organization will be awarded a grant?
Meeting the eligibility and application requirements alone does not guarantee you will be awarded a grant. AAWGT undertakes a thorough review process during the months of March and April in order to create a ballot that accurately represents the most qualified applicant organizations. The members of AAWGT will vote in May to make the final selection of the grant recipients, limited by the amount of funding available. If your organization is selected to be a grantee, the official grant agreement comes from the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) because AAWGT is a fund of the Community Foundation.
If my organization does not receive a grant award, can we get feedback on our application?
Yes, AAWGT will provide conference call feedback to any applicant after grant awards have been announced in mid-May. But all requests for feedback must be made through email to by no later than May 31, 2018. Please provide a phone number for your organization’s contact, and the AAWGT Grants Chair will set up a debriefing conference call.