| TIPS ON SUBMITTING PROJECTS THROUGH THE STEPP ONLINE PROJECT SUBMITTAL SYSTEM
The purpose of this document is to provide general guidance on submitting a project idea online through the StEPP Online Project Submittal System. The contents of this document include:
- General Recommendations;
- About the Online Form and the Information Being Requested;
- and FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions.
If for any reason you have other questions that are not addressed in the information below, please send an email to info@steppfoundation.org.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Internet Browser
The StEPP Online Project Submittal System is best viewed through Internet Explorer (IE) version 5.5 and higher. To download the latest version of IE, visit www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/ie6/.
Computer Screen Settings
The StEPP Online Project Submittal System is best viewed with a resolution of 1024 X 768, however the site will function just fine with any resolution greater or equal to 800 X 600. To change your resolution settings, complete the following tasks: (1) click on the Windows [Start] button in the lower left hand corner of the screen; (2) click on the [Settings] menu item; (3) click on the [Control Panel]; (4) click on the [Display] icon; (5) click on the [Settings] tab; (6) make sure the [Screen Area] section is set to a resolution greater than or equal to 800 X 600. Note that the best resolution to use is 1024X768; (7) make sure that the [Colors] section is set to 16 bit or higher, and (8) click on the [Apply] button.
ABOUT THE ONLINE FORM AND THE INFORMATION BEING REQUESTED
To submit a project idea into the Strategic Environmental Project Pipeline you must fill out a series of questions, listed below is a brief description of each section of the project submittal system:
- Project Information
This section allows the applicant to enter basic project information.
- Category Information
This page allows the applicant to categorize the project idea by specific environmental media.
- Funding Information
This page allows the applicant to define at a high level the costs and potential funding sources for this project.
- Timeline Information
This page allows the applicant to estimate the duration and time parameters of the project.
- Partner Information
This page allows the applicant to list any partners and their contact information.
- Final Submission
This page allows the applicant to review their entire submittal, print it for their records, accept our Privacy Policy and submit the project idea for consideration by the StEPP Foundation.
All of the above sections must be completed before the StEPP Foundation will consider a project for funding opportunities.
FAQs - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I open a new project submittal?
To open a new project submittal first login to the Online Project Submittal System. Once you are logged in, click the [PROJECT] button and a series of options will appear. One of the options will be [Create New Project]. Click on this and a new submittal form will appear.
How can I edit a project that I started during a previous session?
Projects can be edited by logging onto the Online Project Submittal System. Once you are logged in, click the [PROJECT] button and a series of options will appear. One of the options will be [Browse Projects]. Click on this and a table displaying all of your project submittals will appear with a column indicating their status (i.e. - draft, submitted or under review). To open a specific project from the table, just highlight the project name and click. The project submittal form will appear with all of the information you input during any previous sessions.
Can I make changes or edits to a submitted project?
Changes can be made to projects that are submitted, as long as they are not currently under review by the StEPP Foundation for funding consideration. If changes or edits are made to a previously submitted project, you must re-submit your updated version at the end of the form.
How many project ideas can I submit into the system?
As long as the project ideas are unique and distinct from each other, you are welcome to enter as many ideas as you wish into the system.
How long will my project idea remain in the system?
Project ideas remain in the pipeline for as long as they are viable during a 12 -month period. Therefore, it is imperative that applicants correctly fill out the information relating to project timeframes in the online form. Applicants will be given the opportunity through email notices to update their online filing periodically. The StEPP Foundation will purge project ideas from the Project Pipeline as they become obsolete.
How will I know if my project idea is under consideration for available funding?
You will receive an email alerting you any time that your project idea is under consideration by a funding source. You will also be able to view the status of your project in the 'Browse Projects' section of the Online Form.
I've forgotten my password, what should I do?
Click the [Login] button on the StEPP Foundation website. Once that screen appears, the last sentence of the opening paragraph reads - Forgotten your password? and prompts you to click here. This will allow you to send an email to the Online Project Submittal System requesting your password. An email will be sent to you within a few moments containing your password.
What is the grant application process?
To apply for grant funding from the StEPP Foundation, applicants first must submit a project idea online at www.steppfoundation.org. This officially logs a project idea into the Strategic Environmental Project Pipeline (StEPP) and allows a project idea to be considered for current funding and future funding opportunities over a twelve-month period. See StEPP Project Submittal Form.
Once a project is entered into the StEPP Project Pipeline the applicant will periodically receive email updates on their project's status. If a match for funding becomes available, the applicant will be requested to submit a full proposal based upon Specific Project Criteria, such as geographic location, environmental category, minimum grant request, segment of society benefited, etc.
The proposals received, are then reviewed by a committee made up of at least one StEPP Board member and experts in pertinent and related fields. The committee then makes its recommendations to the full StEPP Foundation Board, which, in turn, makes recommendations to the funding source. The funding source makes the final decision on grant awards. If the project is selected for funding, the project becomes inactive in the Strategic Environmental Project Pipeline, as submitted.
Should I enter my idea into the pipeline even if the current funding opportunities do not apply to me?
Yes, the project pipeline allows the StEPP Foundation to attract potential funding opportunities for renewable energy, energy efficiency and pollution prevention projects. Often times a formal RFP request will only be made to projects already logged in the system.
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