Grants Process Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat type of budget is required during the application period? The budget should contain approximate costs for the items and other fees needed to complete the project. However, if actual costs exceed approximate costs listed on the application, the committee will not approve additional Grant funds. Carefully consider costs and fees associated with the project while developing the budget to determine a more accurate estimate for funding the project. What is the term of the grant? A professional development grant term is one (1) year and begins during the first week of July and ends June 30 of the following year. An applicant may request an extension for up to one year. Submit a request for extension to the Committee no later than March 31. Expend all Grant funds awarded before June 30. Reimburse any funds not disbursed during the period of approved extension in accordance with the Grant Terms and Conditions Agreement. A research grant term is two (2) years and begins during the first week of July and ends June 30 the second year of the grant. An applicant may request an extension for up to one year. Submit a request for extension to the Committee no later than March 31. Expend all Grant funds awarded before June 30 of the second grant year. Reimburse any funds not disbursed during the period of approved extension in accordance with the Grant Terms and Conditions Agreement. What happens if I do not spend all the allocated funds? Return unused funds by check payable to the National College Testing Association no later than 30 days following the end of the grant term. Who will receive the funds awarded? The designated Trustee (someone in the Institution’s Grant Awards or Sponsored Projects Department, will be responsible for overseeing the grant funds during the term of the grant. Funds are made payable to institutions or agencies and not payable to individuals. When will funds be available? Please refer to the previous section that outlines the timeline for the grant application process. This section will be updated annually. The NCTA treasurer will disburse payments by check and mail to institutions’ Trustees in accordance with this timeline. Are grants available to fund attendance to the NCTA Conference? No. Grants cannot be used to cover expenses related to NCTA conference attendance individuals, institutions or other agencies. I received an NCTA grant in the past; can I apply for another grant? Previous Grant recipients may apply for a second or subsequent NCTA Grant after three (3) from a previous award. Individuals, institutions, agencies, associations, or other groups may receive a Grant award no more than once every three (3) years. When is the final budget due? A final budget of expenditures is due with the final report within thirty (30 calendar days of the completion of the Grant Project, or at the end of the Grant Period, whichever comes first. Applicants must provide a preliminary budget during the application period. The Committee may accept budget modifications, when necessary, as exact costs are determined. Promptly notify the Committee of any budget modifications as they occur. What is expected in the final report? The final report, at a minimum, should include a narrative on official letterhead describing the project and outcomes; any program or agenda; a detailed list of attendees or participants; the final expenditure report; and all original receipts. Email [email protected] with questions concerning final report preparation. What are some ideas that are grant worthy? Perhaps your institution/center can benefit from one of the following: hosting a training and development day focused on testing trends, developing a research study focused on a testing topic, embarking on a project with a goal of presenting at the NCTA conference, authoring research to be submitted to the NCTA Journal, supporting a testing professional’s growth through development events/workshops, or offering testing workshops focused on sharing NCTA Proctoring Best Practices.
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