Frequently Asked Questions

Is this legitimate?
Yes.

Do I have to pay it back?
No. It’s a grant, not a loan. It is completely forgivable. I only ask that you consider Paying It Forward in one way or another at some point in the future. Obviously, it’s a system with holes in it.

I’m an American. Can I still apply?
Yes. Because of the volume of US applicants in 2008 & 2009, the grant will be $1,000 USF.

I’m Québécois. Can I still apply?
Oui, dans l'anglais s'il vous plaît.

Are there age restrictions?
No. As long as you are enrolled in a recognized post-secondary program, which will be verified before award, you may apply.

If I applied in 2010, can I re-apply this year?
Yes.

How many applications are submitted annually?
65 applications were received in 2008. This was down slightly in 2009 and held steady in 2010. Approximately 80% of applications are American students.

How are applications submitted?
Applications are submitted electronically. Please review the submission formats carefully when naming your files. Please make sure you attach all portions of your application. Incomplete applications may be rejected.

Where do I get a copy of the application form?
Email your request and a copy will be sent to you.

How is the winning recipient selected?
Applications are short-listed to three contenders. The submissions of the short-listed applicants are then reviewed by an independent guest judges.

What is the deadline for submission?
Applications must be received electronically, no later than November 14, 2011

My grandma died (again) and/or My dog ate my homework. Will you issue an extension?
No. To be fair to those who do meet the deadline, extensions will not be permitted.

Will I retain all the related copy rights of my work?
Yes, without question.

Will my submission be kept confidential?
Yes. Outside of the judging panel, all essay responses and letters of recommendation will be kept confidential. Should you win, I will ask to post your name and link to any blog/flickr account etc. that you provide me with at the time of award.

What if there is a tie?
There won’t be.

Will everyone be notified?
Yes. All applicants will be notified of their status.

What are you looking for in a personal essay?
Your photographs should speak for themselves; your essay response should speak for you. Outside of that, my only advice is to spell check your work.

What are you looking for in a recommendation letter?
Who you choose to write your letter of recommendation is up to you, however the person you select should be someone who knows you well and they should be able to articulate why you should be selected above anyone else. Recommendations may be provided by friends, family members, professors or your mom.

Nobody seriously has their mom write a recommendation, right?
Not last year, but someone did submit a letter written by their dad. And before you laugh, it was one of the best recommendation letters of the lot.

What if I have questions that haven’t been answered here?
Email questions to the following address: mcollins@infocusgrant.com