Q: What is an example of a good application?

A: Good applications address the Judging Criteria. You can also look at past finalists for the type of projects we look for. While they're all very different, they share the same characteristics of being self-driven, unique, and community-oriented. All exemplify measurable impact.

Additionally, strong applications include:

• Detail. Please describe your individual role and impact in the organization, campaign or community initiative you are talking about. What did you do exactly? Why do you care about your particular cause/issue/problem? What does this work and the Do Something Award mean to you?
• Your Story. What was your inspiration? What obstacles did you encounter? How did you overcome them to make change?
• Impact. How many people has your project helped? Have people in your community contributed to your efforts? 100 people? 1000 people? 10,000 people? Even MORE? A personal story about someone you helped is great to include, but it is important to include hard numbers as well.

Q: I started my project with a partner. Can we apply together?

A: Unfortunately, no. The Do Something Award is for individuals. The best thing to do is to have a serious talk with the other partners in your group and decide on who should represent the project for this application. If that person wins, the project as a whole benefits because the award money gets paid directly to the organization of the nominee's choice.

Q: What information should my recommendation letters provide?

A: Recommendation letters are intended to flesh out your application and give the judges more insight into who you are as a person. Please ask your recommenders to write about their experience with you and their thoughts about your work, your impact, and your collaboration with the community, if possible. They should be very specific. Recommendations can be submitted by anyone who is not a family member.

Q: How do I go back and edit my application?

A: You can edit your application through the link provided in the email sent to you upon saving your application. You can also log in to www.dosomething.org, and going to MY ACCOUNT (On the top right side of the site, right above the "Sign Up" box.) Your Do Something Award application will be listed under "Grants I've Applied For". You can also save a draft of your application while you work. An email will be sent to you including a link that will direct you back to your application.

Q: What happens if my computer crashes while I am working on the application?

A: Yikes!! Computer crashes happen to everyone. To protect your application from being lost, make sure to FIRST write your essays in Word and then copy/paste them into the online application. Also, as you work on your application, periodically hit "Save draft" to save your changes. We have no ability to access your application if your computer crashes before you save it, so please help us help you by making sure you have back up copies of your essays.

Q: What do I do when I get an error or "Access Denied" message when I try to apply?

A: If you are having trouble posting a project or viewing the application it is most likely because you have not verified your email address. When you created a log in for the Do Something site you were sent an email. In that email there is link to verify your email address. Check your junk and spam mail. If you can't find the email or are still have trouble please submit a help ticket with our tech department. Someone will get back to you pronto.

Q: When do I find out if I am selected to receive a Do Something Award?

A: Semi finalists will be notified in mid April. Finalists will be notified in early June. They will come to NYC for in-person interviews June 8th through June 12th. The Do Something Awards broadcast on Vh1 in late August.

Having other technical issues? CLICK HERE

Have non-technical questions? Email dsawards@DoSomething.org.

The 2012 application is due March 1st, 2012.