Frequently Asked Questions
I am submitting an application on behalf of multiple schools or libraries. May I provide the same shipping address for each school or library listed in my application, in order to have the Picturing America collections shipped to a central location?
No. Picturing America collections must be shipped directly to the physical address of each school or library listed in your application. Only one copy of the collection will be shipped to a single address.
May schools or public libraries submit more than one application for the Picturing America poster set?
No. Only one application may be submitted by a school, home school consortium, or public library, and only one award will be made for each school, home school consortium, or library.
May more than one school in a school district or public library within a library system apply?
Yes, multiple schools within a school district and multiple public libraries within a library system may apply for Picturing America.
May a school district or public library system apply on behalf of its member schools or libraries?
Yes.
Are individuals or organizations other than schools (K-12) and public libraries eligible to apply for Picturing America?
No.
Are home schools eligible to apply for Picturing America?
While individual home schools are not eligible to apply, consortia or alliances of home schools may apply for Picturing America materials to place in a common resource center. However, individual home schools are encouraged to visit the Picturing America page at the NEH Web site for free access to program-related resources.
My school or public library is unable to submit an application online. How can I apply for We the People Picturing America?
Contact the American Library Association staff at 1-800-545-2433, ext. 5045, or publicprograms@ala.org. You can also contact the NEH at 202-606-8337 or picturingamerica@neh.gov. Hearing-impaired applicants can contact NEH via TDD at 1-866-372-2930.
The application asks for the name of a Project Director. What are the Project Director’s responsibilities within the Picturing America project and who would qualify for this role?
For a single school or library application, the Project Director is usually a teacher or librarian. In an application for multiple schools or libraries, the Project Director is usually someone in the central office of a school district, library system, or other coordinating organization.
The application asks for the name of an Certifying Official. What are the Certifying Official’s responsibilities within the Picturing American project and who would qualify for this role?
The Certifying Official submits the application on behalf of the school, school district, public library, or library system. He or she will receive the award notification in May 2008. The Certifying Official can be the school principal, superintendent, head librarian, or other senior administrative official.
Are there any hidden charges such as shipping costs? Do schools or libraries have to pay or commit funds for anything?
No.
I noticed that NEH’s Web site says that starting in 2006 institutions applying for an NEH grant must submit their applications via Grants.gov. Does that also apply to the Picturing America program?
No. Schools and libraries applying for Picturing America use a different online application system. For information about the application process, please refer to the guidelines.
Do schools and public libraries have to return the posters at the end of the school year?
No, schools and public libraries keep the posters and educational materials for ongoing educational use. No sales are permitted.
Are there any long-term restrictions on how schools or public libraries may use these posters?
Yes. Schools and public libraries are expected, if possible, to arrange for continual display of the posters during the grant term and must retain the posters and educational materials for ongoing educational use.
Will only successful applicants receive notification about the outcome of the application?
No. All applicants will be notified by NEH, regardless of the outcome of their applications. Applicants will be notified via e-mail and/or letter by May 30, 2008. If you have not received notification by the stated date, please contact the NEH at 202-606-8337 or picturingamerica@neh.gov.
