Frequently Asked Questions

General:

1. How much money is awarded?

• Fellowship awards will range up to $15,000 per person per year. Renewal grants usually decrease in amount each year and are usually capped at $10,000.

2. Are the awards renewable?

• Awards are renewable up to a total of three years, but renewal will be based on continued need and impact, as well as availability of funds.

3. How many fellowships are awarded each year?

• Typically, three new fellowships are awarded annually.

4. Who is eligible to apply?

• Applicants may be lay or ordained, they do not have to be considering ordained ministry to be an ECF Fellow. 
• Applicants may be Episcopalians or members from any member church of the Anglican Communion.

5. What is the 2013 application deadline?

• March 15, 2013

6. When will 2013 applicants be notified of a decision?

• May 31, 2013

7. Can I submit a hard copy of the application?

• Yes, you may submit a paper application. You may print a pdf version of the application forms and write in your answers. We strongly prefer all materials arrive at the same time in one package. 

8. What are the acceptable formats for submitting materials?

• Materials can be submitted in any of the following formats: Word (.doc and .docx), PDF, txt, rtf, jpg. Please do not include video, audio or other materials which cannot be sent via postal mail as these materials will not be sent to members of the selection committee. 

9.  Can I submit an online application, but mail my recommendations and transcripts?

• Yes, you can submit the application in two parts by submitting some information online, then mailing supporting documents.  All documents must be postmarked by March 15, 2013.

10.  Can recommendations or transcripts be mailed directly to ECF?

•  While we strongly prefer all materials to arrive at the same time in one package, we will accept documents sent to us separately when necessary. All documents must be postmarked by March 15, 2013.

11. Can I save my online application and complete it later?

• No.  Once you navigate away from the application web page, your information will be lost.  Please prepare all your materials in advance, so you can complete the application pages at one time.

• Include your living expenses and those things you must pay for, such as tuition or seminar fees, room & board expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities, food, etc., medical insurance costs, educational materials such as books or other supplies, loan payments, childcare expenses, gas or public transportation costs, expenses on behalf of your family, or other costs.  If some of your expenses do not easily fit in the categories provided, please describe expenses in the comments section of the form.

13. If I have questions about whether my proposal is a good fit, can I call to discuss it?

• Yes, but please contact ECF well before the March 15, 2013 deadline.  You can telephone ECF at 800-697-2858
  
  

Academic Track:

14. Can I apply for a fellowship for my M.Div. degree?

• No. The intention of the ECF Fellowship is to foster research and ministry that will strengthen leadership in the church. This may be in conjunction with studies in doctoral or masters level programs but are not intended to supplement first professional degrees such as M.Div., J.D., or M.D.

15. What if I have applied to academic programs, but do not know the
institution I will be attending at the time fellowship applications are
due?

• Applicants who have not yet received decisions on their applications to academic programs or have not yet made a decision on where they will be enrolled during the upcoming academic year are not precluded from applying. On the ECF fellowship application form, list academic institutions/programs under consideration.

16. Who should write my letters of nomination?

• Academic track applicants should have one nomination should come from either the dean or director of the applicant's current academic program. Alternatively, the nomination may be made by the dean or director of an applicant's prior degree program if the applicant will be enrolling in a new academic program during the upcoming fall term. The endorsement of a bishop of the Episcopal Church or Anglican Communion is required in addition to the academic nomination. 

• No. Do not submit any more than the required number of letters of recommendation/nomination.  

18. What information should the letters of nomination/recommendation contain?

• There is no specific length or criteria required for any of the letters. The letters of nomination are meant to ensure the dean and bishop are aware and supportive of the person's fellowship application. For all of the letters it would be helpful for recommenders to speak to the applicant's preparation, qualifications, and commitment to the work for which they seek funding.

Ministry Track:

19. Who should write my letters of nomination?

• A letter of nomination by the rector or vicar of an Episcopal or Anglican congregation, or the director of an Episcopal or Anglican organization or ministry is required. Often this is from the leader of the congregation/organization where the applicant is a member, or where the applicant's ministry will take place. If the applicant is the rector/vicar of a congregation, a warden may write the letter.  Additionally, a letter of endorsement of a bishop of the Episcopal Church or Anglican Communion is required.

20. May I submit more than the required number of letters of recommendation/nomination?

• No. Do not submit any more than the required number of letters of recommendation/nomination.

21. What information should the letters of nomination/recommendation contain?

• There is no specific length or criteria required for any of the letters. The letters of nomination are meant to ensure the rector and bishop are aware and supportive of the person's fellowship application. For all of the letters it would be helpful for recommenders to speak to the applicant's preparation, qualifications, and commitment to the work for which they seek funding.