Please read the Information Pack.

In planning a school or cluster application for the Becoming Asia Literate: Grants to Schools, the following questions and answers may also assist potential applicants.

Applying Online

How do we apply for a NALSSP Becoming Asia Literate grant?
Applications must be completed online from the Registration button on this website. Before applying it is important to read the Information Pack that can be viewed or downloaded via the Information Pack button from the main menu bar. The Information Pack will guide you through the application process.

Can we submit a hard copy application?
Applications can only be submitted online. Please read the Information Pack carefully. The online application site has been rigorously tested to provide for all operating systems. Should you have any difficulties, contact the Help Desk. Help Desk details are available via the Contact Us button from the main menu bar.

What happens if we cannot lodge the application online?
If an applicant has difficulty lodging the application online they must immediately contact the Help Desk for support. Help Desk details are available via the Contact Us button from the main menu bar.

How many applications can our school/cluster submit?
Only one application can be submitted, either as an individual school application or as part of a cluster application. When a school is listed in an online application, it is precluded from being added to any further applications in that round. If unsuccessful, a school may apply for a further round of funding.

Late applications or application extensions

Will late applications be accepted?
The closing date of 29 May 2009 at 5pm Eastern Standard Time is fixed and not negotiable. Should you have any difficulties submitting your application, contact the Help Desk. Help Desk details are available via the Contact Us button from the main menu bar.

Can we request an extension of time for submitting our application?
The application timeline is fixed and is not negotiable. The application site is structured to assist applicants through the application process. The Help Desk can be contacted for advice and support from 9am until 5pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday to Friday. The closing date for applications to be submitted is 29 May 2009 at 5pm Eastern Standard Time.

Cluster applications

What is the maximum number of schools that can be involved in a cluster?
The maximum number of schools that can be involved in a cluster application is five schools. Other schools may be involved following the completion of your project, for example, successful grant recipients are obliged to share the outcomes of their projects with other schools and subsequent projects may emerge.

Can we be in two cluster applications?
A school can only be involved in one application per funding round. It is important for each school to quickly consider their needs and commit to only one application. When a school is listed in an online application, it is precluded from being added to any further applications in that round. If unsuccessful, a school may apply for a further round of funding.

Multi-campus applications

Can one campus from a multi-campus school apply as an individual school?
Yes. Each campus is only able to be involved in one application per funding round. When a campus of a multi-campus school is listed in an online application, it is precluded from being added to any further applications in that round. If unsuccessful, a school may apply for a further round of funding.

Can two or more campuses from a multi-campus school apply in the same round?
Yes. A multi-campus school may apply for a maximum of $40 000 of funding, involving up to five campuses. Each campus is only able to be involved in one application per funding round. When a campus of a multi-campus school is listed in an online application, it is precluded from being added to any further applications in that round. If unsuccessful, a school may apply for a further round of funding.

Length of funded projects

When does my project have to be completed?
Funding provided in the 2009 funding round must be expended by the end of October 2010.

Can we receive an extension of time to finish the funded project and use the money later?
Successfully funded schools in the 2009 funding round will sign a Letter of Agreement that obliges them to expend the funds granted to them for their approved project by the end of October 2010.

Indication of support

Who can provide the indication of support for Government and systemic Catholic schools?
Government and systemic Catholic schools are required to provide an indication of support from an education authority in their application. Information is provided in the Information Pack, which can be viewed or downloaded via the Information Pack button on the main menu bar. Applicants should discuss this requirement with their school principal and identify an appropriate person with whom the school has a relationship. If applicants need further assistance they can contact the Help Desk. Help Desk details are available via the Contact Us button from the main menu bar.

Target countries

What countries can be the focus of our project?
Projects must focus on one or more of the following target countries: China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea.

Can we include other Asian countries in our project, as long as at least one of the indicated countries features in our application?
The funding available under the Becoming Asia Literate: Grants to Schools can only be utilised for the 4 target countries: China, Indonesia, Japan and Korea.

Project budget

Can we plan to spend more than the maximum grant amount?
Successful applicants must prepare a budget that will achieve the stated outcomes. The funding available may be supplemented by the school/s involved. This may include in-kind contributions. Please note the maximum funding available for schools and clusters in the Information Pack. The Information Pack can be viewed or downloaded via the Information Pack button from the main menu bar. Project Leaders should read the Information Pack carefully in relation to appropriate items for expenditure.

Project funding

What happens if we don't spend all the grant money allocated to our school/cluster?
Final Reports, including a Financial Report, are due on Friday 29 October 2010. Any unspent funds are to be returned to the AEF.

Can we keep a portion of the grant funding to sustain the project beyond October 2010?
It is a condition of the grant that the project outcomes are sustained utilising school-based funding. Any unspent grant funds, as at Friday 29 October 2010, must be returned to the AEF.

Project management

What do we do if we have a change in project personnel?
Each application must identify a Project Leader and a Deputy Project Leader. In the event of a change in personnel, please contact the Help Desk as soon as possible. Help Desk details are available via the Contact Us button from the main menu bar. It is important that the Project Leader and the Deputy Project Leader share responsibilities.

Reporting and accountability

How many reports do successful schools need to complete?
Successful schools must complete two reports: a Progress Report due on Friday 14 May 2010 and a Final Report due on Friday 29 October 2010. The Project Leader is responsible for submitting all reports online.

Are we required to share the outcomes of our project?
Yes. The online application seeks a clear indication of how the project outcomes will be shared beyond school/cluster boundaries.