Frequently Asked Questions

• My organization has been really busy, but we are now in a position to apply. We'd like to know if there are still funds available.
  There are funds available for Forums and for Roundtables, and proposals are still being accepted on a first-come first-served basis for a project date through December 15, 2009. We have funds for 4 more Forums, and 3 more roundtables (9/3/09).

  I'm from a state CCCC and I'm not familiar with organizations in the Appalachian part of my state. Do I need a local partner to apply for a Roundtable award?
  YES! This is the primary focus of these awards - to get you out and interacting with local organizations - and to get them interacting with you. Roundtables MUST represent a partnership between local and state folks (it's in the RFP).

• I didn't realize there would be additional "requirements". Can you clarify?
  As referenced in the RFP, acceptance of funds means that you will assist us with data collection, through a few short measures. You will receive the information from these measures for your own purposes, and we will use it to develop an understanding of how these events are useful, and what the similarities/differences between locations and types of events are. Your final report, also referenced in the RFP, will be helpful in this endeavor, as will the pre- and post-event conversations with our staff.

• Where can I find information about cancer difference rates?
  Great question! CLICK HERE to go the the MAPS page, which includes maps illustrating cancer rates for all and specific cancers, as well as state-specific information, and the original presentation from Joel Halverson.

• Where do I submit my Proposal?
   The proposal submission page is up and running, and can be found here. Be sure to download and complete the Substitute W-9 and a signature page for the applicant and any key partners.

• What are the spending restrictions for the Forum RFP?
  ETSU operates under the Tennessee Board of Regents guidelines for spending. Common spending considerations include: the State does not pay for alcoholic beverages. If you are sponsoring a meal at your Forum, and somebody wants to have a glass of wine or a beer with dinner, make sure they pay for it separately. Also, TBR prohibits the purchase of gift cards - if you're looking for incentives, think creative (there have been some great ones already). Keep in mind that if you are flying in a speaker, typically the University only reimburses Coach airfare rates (although as your speakers should be from your local area - that's probably a non-issue). If you're paying for local travel, check what your state or region's mileage rates are. We ask that you be considerate of your expenses, that they would be deemed reasonable by auditors at our institution and yours.
  *From the Forum RFP: "Funds may be used for meeting expenses, including space, meals, and lodging; preparation of a report that describes cancer incidence and mortality for the Appalachian region of a state including state and national comparisons; travel for speakers, and cost of producing a written report on the process and findings of the Forum. Funds may not be used for honoraria or staff salaries."

• What about spending restrictions for the Roundtable RFP?
  They are pretty much the same as the Forum expenses. See Above.
  *From the Roundtable RFP: "Funds may be used for Roundtable meeting expenses including meeting space, meals and lodging, production of meeting materials, travel, and distribution of invitations as well as information resulting from the meeting. Funds may not be used for honoraria or other personnel expenses."

•  What are the indirect costs allowable with these grants?
  These grants are a flat rate as listed in the individual RFPs, which is a direct cost. There are no indirect costs allowed.

• How will my organization get the money if we are selected?
  It is important to be aware that this is a cost reimbursement contract. All expenses must be paid by the applicant, and invoiced at the end of the grant period for reimbursement. Per the contract sub-awardees will sign, you may invoice up to half the cost once it is spent-out, and submit a second invoice to be reimbursed after the final report is approved.

• Can my organization apply to conduct the Forum?
  The Forum is to be managed and conducted by your State's Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition. If you aren't sure that your state is applying to conduct a Forum in your Appalachian region, be sure to ask! We want your state to apply!!

• Where can I find a list of Advisory Board Members?
  Our Advisory Board list has been updated, and can be found here.

• I like the idea of a Roundtable, but my organization is not located in an Appalachian county. Can we still apply?
  We are glad that you're interested, but the Roundtable must be located in ARC-designated Appalachian counties, and must be orchestrated by organizations in those counties. While the Halverson maps illustrate cancer rates in each of the 13 states that contain Appalachian counties, only counties within the Appalachian region are eligible for this grant.

• My county is not designated as "distressed" by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Can I still apply?
  Certainly! Any organization in an Appalachian county is welcome to apply. Special consideration will be given to distressed counties, but all qualifying applications will receive a fair review.
  *To see the most recent County Economic Status data from the Appalachian Regional Commission, click here.

  I would like to nominate a community to be part of the storytelling project. How do I do that?
  The 3 story collection sites have been chosen, and the project has been completed. We were fortunate to see/receive all three projects at the Second Forum.