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. What is the application deadline?

• March 15, 2011

5. When will applicants be notified of a decision?

• May 15, 2011

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

• Yes, you may submit a paper application; however, it must arrive in one package containing the application form along with all the supporting materials. Applications received in multiple packages will not be considered.  Packages must be postmarked by March 15.  You may print a pdf version of the application forms and write in your answers.  2011 applications will be posted as soon as they are available.

7.  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, and then mailing supporting documents.  All supporting documents must arrive together in one package postmarked by March 15.

8.  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.

9. Can my letter of nomination or endorsement count as one of my 4
letters of recommendation?

• No, the letters of nomination and endorsement are required in addition to the four letters of recommendation. All applicants must submit 6 letters in total.

• 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, and 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.

Academic Track:

11. 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.

12. Who should write my letters of nomination?

• 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. The endorsement of a bishop of the Episcopal Church or Anglican Communion is required in addition to the academic nomination.

13. 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/endorsement are meant to ensure the dean and bishop are aware and supportive of the person's fellowship application. For any of the letters it would be helpful for recommenders/nominators to speak to the applicant's preparation, qualifications, and commitment to the work for which they seek funding.

Transformational Ministry:

14. 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 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 endoresement of a bishop of the Episcopal Church or Anglican Communion is also requried.

15. 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/endorsement are meant to ensure the rector and bishop are aware and supportive of the person's fellowship application. For any of the letters it would be helpful for recommenders/norminators to speak to the applicant's preparation, qualifications, and commitment to thework for which they seek funding.