Grant Related- Why do the applications need to be signed?
This is a legal requirement by the Board of Trustees. By signing you and your principal agree to use the funds and follow the guidelines of the grant.
- I’ve never written a grant before. How can I receive help?
1. Go to the Gallery on this website and see samples of winning applications.
2. Visit other grant websites (see Links).
3. Ask previous winning teachers to mentor you.
4. To find winning teachers who you may want to contact, go to Winners button.
- Who is the contact teacher?
One teacher must take responsibility for being the contact for each project. This teacher will receive correspondence for the team and has the responsibility to coordinate communication between the Foundation and the teacher team.
- What is the educational focus of the grant?
We are interested in funding projects where hands-on student learning can be demonstrated. For examples, on this website, go to the Gallery.
- Who judges the grants?
The judges are a group of current and retired CPS teachers who assist Mr. Oppenheimer. Most specialize in the areas listed in the Subject Area drop down on the grant application.
- Will there be an extension of the deadline?
We are an organization of volunteers. When we set a deadline, we organize our volunteers to help us on specific dates. We ask you to respect our deadlines.
Please note that our deadline is October 9. By October 9 you must apply on-line AND submit 2 paper copies of your grant through the CPS mail run.
- I have a unique question about the Teacher Incentive Grant. Who do I contact?
Please contact us at grantinfo@offtig.org
We prefer contact by email; however, if you contact us by fax/phone: 312-943-9472, please provide School Name, Project Name, Contact Teacher Name, Your name and phone number. Speak slowly and clearly.
- Why is there a new mailing address for applications?
In the past we have had to have up to a 10 day delay between submission dates and when we can begin judging due to the unreliability of the U.S. Postal Service. In 2009 there were 23 applications sitting in post offices for over two weeks. Beginning now we can begin processing grants and judging them immediately after October 9th, our due date for the 2010 TIG.
Final Reports will still be sent to the Foundation address. See each form for correct mailing address.
- When can I apply for the Teacher Incentive Grant 2010?
Applications are now on-line for the 2010 Teacher Incentive Grant.
Applications for the 2010 Teacher Incentive Grants are due on October 9, 2010. You MUST apply on-line AND submit two (2) hard copies of your application through the CPS Internal Mail BY October 9, 2010.
Technical - How do I get started?
1. You must first have a valid log-in.
If you were a 2009 Teacher Incentive Grant winner and you have not yet updated your password, please do so now.
All others must create a new log-in profile. You will receive an email with your user name and password. Please save this email for future reference.
Once you have an updated profile, you may log-in to the Teachers Area.
2. Teachers Area/Application: you will find Guidelines and 2010 Application form.
3. Because our site has been completely redesigned, you will save yourself time and trouble by reading the Guidelines, FAQs and Help (noted by question marks in blue within the Application).
4. Use Firefox as your browser. If you do not know what this means, please ask the computer experts in your school or your life. Note that the CPS system does not use Firefox. This is the browser that works best with our site. Your printer settings and other functions may not work properly if you use another browser.
- Why do I have to type the application into the computer?
Your information in the computer forms a database that gives us all of your ID data and is the basis of the program booklet that lists the winners and their projects. (See Winners for past examples).
All applicants must type their applications into the computer and submit TWO signed and stapled hard copies of the grant proposal.
The computer copy provides us with a master list, counts and is used by judges for specialized areas; the paper copies are used for judging by Mr. Oppenheimer.
- Why can't I log-in using my password?
We are currently (2009) completing a totally new software program.
For security reasons only 2009 Teacher Incentive Grant winners are currently in the database. If you are a 2009 Winner, to log-in you must use the same email address that you used on your application. The first time that you log-in you must use the temporary password sent to you in our mailings. Once in the offtig site, Update your profile in any way that you choose. Be sure to SAVE it. SAVE a copy for your files of your User Name and Password. You will need it for the entire grant year.
IF YOU WERE NOT A 2009 WINNER, you must create a new profile. Be sure to fill out all blanks and follow the help tags.
- What are the blue question marks (?) that appear on the Application?
Click on "?" to learn specifically our requirements for this section. The ?, the FAQs and Guidelines are the help functions on our site.
- When I click onto the blue question mark in the Application, why does the screen disappear?
If you hold the mouse/cursor still, the blue notes will hold steady and you can read them clearly.
- Why must I use Firefox for my browser? And, where can I get the link for downloading Firefox?
1. Printing specifications and other functions do not work properly when using Internet Explorer for this site. We have successfully tested all functions using Firefox.
2. If you are having any problems with parameters, in Firefox, please go to TOOLS, CLEAR PRIVATE DATA. This should clear the problem.
3. The CPS computer system does not use Firefox. We strongly recommend that you use a computer where you can download Firefox to create, print and submit your application.
4. To download Firefox, click this link.
- My school is not listed on the drop down.
1. Our school database has been updated with the current CPS database (July, 2009).
2. Note that schools are listed by the key last name only. Example: Walter Payton is listed as Payton.
3. If your school is a small school within a large school, list main school name first. Example: Bowen Environmental.
4. If you have difficulty finding or adding your school, contact grantinfo@offtig.org.
Give all of the information requested in the School Information section of the Application.
5. You will receive a response within 48 hours.
- Why am I not asked for my user name when I create my account?
Your email address will be your user name. You will use your email address and your personal password to enter to the Teachers Area where you will find application forms, your pending application, and later your winning application. You will also be able to access the forms for School Visits and Final Reports from the Teachers Area.
Be sure to save the email address and password that you used to apply for the grant.
- Where do I find my application and forms for School Visit Requests and Final Reports?
Go to the Teachers Area where you will find application forms, your pending application and your winning application. You will also be able to access the forms for School Visit Requests and Final Reports from the Teachers Area.
Please note that the 2009 TIG winning applications are not available since Atlas Software was unable to provide us with the applications when we took the site from them.
- How do I upload pictures with my Final Report?
The Gallery feature is under construction. This feature will not be available for 2009 Teacher Incentive Grant winners.
We are working to create a structure where you can showcase student learning in action with still pictures and videos. You will be allowed a maximum number of pictures. We will select those that best represent the mission of the TIG - showing students in action, learning through project-based learning. Picture, video and sound quality is considered. Student release permission forms are required for posting students pictures on the website.
For 2009 please provide CD and DVDs as in the past. We will select pictures from these for posting later this summer.
- How can I access my 2009 application?
We were left a horrible mess by our previous developer, Atlas Software. Unfortunately, no files were retrievable. You should always print a copy of your application for your records. If you need a printed copy, contact us at grantinfo@offtig.org
and provide us with a fax number and request a copy of your application.
- How can I print my application to review it before submitting it?
You may save your application at anytime once you have started it. Once you have saved it, go to the bottom of the application and you will see a print option.
ALWAYS PRINT USING THE OPTION OFFERED WITHIN THE WEBSITE RATHER THAN FROM YOUR TOOLBAR. The print parameters are set within our website. You will get a cleaner looking copy.
Please remember to print a copy for your files of your final submitted application.
- Why am I sometimes asked to log-in twice?
When you are ready to leave the site, be sure to click on "logout" in the upper right hand corner of any page.
Our program developer is checking to see if there is another reason for this; in the interim, if you are asked to log-in twice, please do so. Thank you for your patience.
- I sent my Visit Request, how can I updated or check the status?
To review your Visit Request status, please go to Teachers Area/Visit Request/Archive.
Once the visit is assigned, you will receive an e-mail and can check the status . You will not be able to make changes to the system. For last minute changes, either write to grantinfo@offtig.org or call 312-943-9472.
- I sent my final report, how can I print it?
To review or print your Final Report, please go to Teachers Area/Final Report/Archive.
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