FAQs

How do I submit an educational grant request?


When you are ready to begin, use the "Request Application" function to generate an electronic link. Instructions and descriptions of the various type of educational grants can be found on the application site. When you have completed all the fields and uploaded the required forms, you can click "Submit Request" to electronically transfer your application to our servers. Note that there is a final step in which a summary of your submission should be printed, signed, and faxed before an application can begin review.

We have used a very basic standard letter in the past for funding requests.Can we mail or fax this instead of using the web-based application?


No.We do not accept mailed or faxed requests for funding. All requests must be accompanied by a variety of support documents and the web-based application process provides an efficient way to accurately capture all information needed for a thorough review.

Do I need any special equipment other than a computer and Internet access?


In general, no additional special equipment is necessary to process an application. Most of the information required is simply entered into the appropriate fields. Support documents may be uploaded directly into the application. Document and spreadsheet file formats that can be created on most computers is usually sufficient. Some submitters may choose to scan some items but this is usually not necessary.

Is there a cut-off period for an organization to submit a request?


All requests should be submitted 60 days in advance of the event to ensure sufficient time for review. Grants received less than 60 days before an event may not have enough time to be reviewed if additional information is requested. Depending on the volume of projects under review, submissions with shorter lead time may be denied in order to accommodate those that were processed with more sufficient notice.

Can I submit a request for a program/event that already has occurred?


No. Educational grants cannot be used to support programs that have already occurred.

Can I save a request in progress and return to it later?


Yes. Web-based applications include a feature that permits users to save their project. It is advised that users bookmark their link so that they can return to it later.

How will I know if my grant request was successfully received?


You will receive a confirmation e-mail immediately following a successful submission. Slight delays can occur due to security settings and firewalls. However, a review will not begin until the submitter completes the Print, Sign, and Fax step after submission has been made. Instructions on how to do this are included in the on-line application.

Will Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. contact me with questions about my application?


Yes.On occasion, a grants associate may contact the submitter to request additional information or clarification on the submission. However, this is not a frequent occurrence. In most cases, the information provided within the application is sufficient for reviewers to decide whether or not to fund a request.

How long will it take to receive a decision?


The stated goal is to achieve a decision 8 weeks or less. This is why sufficient lead time (at least 60 days) is requested from all submitters.

Can I check the status of my grant on-line?


No. However, at various milestones, automated emails will be sent to the submitter advising them that their request has moved onto a new stage in the review.

Is a final reconciliation required on all grants?


Yes.All approved grants will require a final accounting of how the funds were utilized. Sooner after the scheduled end date of the activity, an email notification with a link to report final actual costs versus planned budget is sent to the submitter.

Can I submit more than one request at a time?


Yes.Each request will require a separate application. Each application will be electronically assigned a unique grant identifier.

Can I submit one application for multiple programs?


One application can be submitted for a related series of programs such as grand rounds or symposia with an enduring material. The title, objectives, and budget for each program must be included with the proposal. Unrelated programs from the same organization should be processed with separate applications.

Can I submit an idea for a request before I complete the entire application?


We cannot provide advice or guidance on ideas. All educational grant requests should be independently developed without any industry influence.

As a Chief Resident, may I submit a request for travel funds to attend a national scientific meeting?


No. In accordance with AMA gift guidelines, the academic institution is responsible to select who may be eligible to attend major scientific meetings and for disbursing funds as appropriate. Therefore, only fellowship directors, department heads, or other full time employees who are empowered by the institution may submit requests that benefit physicians in training such as fellows, residents, or medical students.

Can I expedite funding support for an activity coming up in a couple of weeks?


No.Every educational grant undergoes the same evaluation criteria regardless of timing or amount requested. This independent review ensures that each request gets the appropriate level of attention. The volume of requests requires adequate lead time by the requesting organization. Submissions with insufficient lead time may be denied.

If we are willing to reduce the amount of funding we request, will it increase our likelihood of receiving financial support?


The dollar amount requested is important, but it is secondary to the nature of the educational project itself. Our primary goal is to identify requests that objectively stimulate the exchange of scientific and clinical information while meeting an identified education need. Every request goes through the same review process, regardless of the requested budget, to ensure that the request is aligned with our guiding principles and all regulatory requirements.

Since your company has historically supported our annual meeting, will this familiarity allow us to submit our request with less lead time?


Every educational grant request is treated as a unique occurrence. Past performance is not an indicator of future support. Since regulatory guidelines can change at any time, it is not advised to presume continued support of an annual activity. Every request should be in conformance with our recommended submission of at least 60 days prior to the event start date.

What's the best way to be sure that my educational grant request will be approved?


While no one can guarantee that any grant will be approved for funding support, you can avoid the most common reason for rejection of a grant: incomplete or inadequate information provided at the time of application. A standard letter of request does not usually provide enough information for a thorough review. It's important that the completed application-comprised of a signed, faxed application; a detailed itemized budget; an agenda or brochure; a detailed needs assessment; and an accreditation statement (required for CME applications)- be provided at least 60 days prior to the start of the program. Note that Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. prefers that faculty names are excluded from the submission.

I accidentally cancelled my application.Can it be retrieved?


An application cannot be retrieved or reactivated once cancelled. However, you may initiate a new application at any time.

I already submitted my application.Why am I receiving reminder e-mails?


Applicants sometimes generate additional Application Requests that they may have forgotten about. If the additional application link(s) is not cancelled, reminder e-mail messages will automatically be sent out by the system just as with any active application link.

How do I add or make changes to a document after submitting an application?


An application link is no longer accessible once the submit button has been pressed. However, you may contact our helpline regarding possible options for providing additional/updated documentation if you feel that a submission may have been lacking appropriate support data. The helpline can be reached at (800)746-6998, Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern time.

I am in the process of filling out an application but nothing happens when I click the next page button.How can I move to the next page?


All entries must be completed on a page before advancing to the next page in the application. If there are any unanswered questions or missing attachments, these items will become highlighted in red when the next page button is pressed. If you have completed all items on a page and still cannot move forward, first select the "save and finish later" button. Then close ALL open internet browser windows and try accessing the application again from the "Click here to initiate application" link on the e-mail you received at the start of the process. If the problem persists, please contact our helpline for assistance at (800)746-6998, Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern time.

Where can I find out about current Request for Proposals (RFPs)?


With the merger of Centocor and Ortho Biotech into one company, we are in the process of redesigning our web site. In the near future, we hope to be able to post RFPs on the site. However, in the meantime, we primarily focus on unsolicited grants. If you have a proposal for a project and wish to submit a grant request, feel free to do so using our online application.

Is there a different process for applying for a charitable contribution?


Yes.Please go to the Charitable Contributions section on the home page of this site.

For Questions Contact:

How can I contact Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. if I have questions?

For questions about the educational grant process or charitable contributions, please call our help line at (800) 746-6998, Monday through Friday, between 9 AM and 5 PM Eastern time.

Welcome to Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. Educational Grants