Prepared for: DeReticular Academy
Date: October 1, 2025
I. Executive Summary
This report outlines the specific “where” and “how” for submitting DeReticular Academy’s application for the Google.org Generative AI Accelerator. Submission is conducted exclusively through an online portal managed by Google.org. The current application window is active, with a firm deadline of February 10, 2025.
The process requires thorough pre-submission preparation of all application materials, creation of an account on the application portal, careful completion of the online form, and uploading of required supporting documents. This report provides a step-by-step guide and a checklist to ensure a smooth and successful submission.
II. The Submission Portal (“Where”)
The single point of submission is the official Google.org online application portal.
- Primary URL: The application link is located on the main Google.org Generative AI Accelerator program page. While the exact URL for the portal may be session-specific, the access point will be here:
- https://google.org/ (Navigate to the “Generative AI Accelerator” section)
- Navigation Path:
- Go to the main Google.org website.
- Find and click on the “Generative AI Accelerator” initiative.
- On this page, there will be a prominent button or link labeled “Apply Now,” “Submit Your Application,” or similar. This link will redirect you to the application portal.
III. The Submission Process (“How”)
The submission process is methodical and requires careful attention to detail. We recommend following these five steps:
Step 1: Pre-Submission Preparation (Offline)
Before you even access the portal, you must gather and finalize all components of your application. Do not attempt to write or edit your proposal within the web form itself.
- Finalize Application Text: Have the complete text of your application (as created previously) saved in a Google Doc or Word document for easy copy-pasting into the form fields.
- Prepare Budget: Have your detailed budget finalized in a spreadsheet format (Excel or Google Sheets).
- Gather Supporting Documents: Collect all necessary documents and have them ready in a single folder. (See Section IV for a full checklist).
Step 2: Account Creation and Portal Access
Most foundation portals require an organizational account.
- Navigate to the application portal via the link on the Google.org Generative AI Accelerator page.
- Register an account for DeReticular Academy. You will likely need your organization’s legal name, address, and tax-exempt number (if applicable).
- Use a shared, official email address (e.g., grants@dereticular.com) rather than an individual’s email to ensure continued access.
Step 3: Completing the Online Application Form
The online form will likely have several distinct sections. Copy and paste your prepared text into these fields. Common sections include:
- Organizational Details: Legal name, address, contact person, website, mission statement.
- Project Summary/Abstract: A short, concise overview of the “RIOS Co-Pilot” project.
- Full Proposal Narrative: Longer text boxes for the detailed problem statement, your proposed solution, project impact, scalability, and how you will use Google’s support.
- Focus Area Selection: Checkboxes or dropdowns to select “Knowledge, Skills, and Learning” and “Resilient Communities.”
- Key Personnel: Fields to list the names, titles, and brief biographies of the project leaders.
- Budget Summary: You may be required to enter top-line budget figures into the form in addition to uploading the detailed budget spreadsheet.
Step 4: Uploading Supporting Documents
This is a critical step. The portal will have a dedicated section for uploads.
- Carefully upload each required document (e.g., detailed budget, team CVs, financial statements).
- Pay close attention to file restrictions, such as required file types (PDF is usually preferred) and maximum file sizes.
- Label your files clearly (e.g., DeReticular_Academy_Budget_2025.pdf).
Step 5: Review, Save, and Final Submission
- Do not submit immediately. Save your application as a draft and review it thoroughly.
- Have at least one other person from the team review the entire application for any errors or typos.
- Print or Save a PDF copy of the completed application for your records before you submit.
- Once you are certain everything is perfect, click the final “Submit” button.
- You should receive an automated confirmation email from Google.org. If you do not, check your spam folder and follow up if necessary.
IV. Required Documentation Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure all materials are ready before starting the online process:
- [ ] Full Application Narrative: The complete text for the RIOS Co-Pilot project.
- [ ] Detailed Budget: A spreadsheet outlining the entire $1.5M request, including personnel, technology, and administrative costs.
- [ ] Key Personnel Biographies/CVs: Short bios for the project leaders.
- [ ] Organizational Financials: Typically the most recent audited financial statements or Form 990 (if applicable).
- [ ] Letters of Support (Optional but Recommended): Letters from potential partners like a community college or a rural economic development agency.
V. Critical Timeline and Recommendations
- Application Deadline: February 10, 2025. This is a hard deadline.
- Recommended Internal Deadline: Set an internal goal to submit by February 3, 2025. This provides a one-week buffer to handle any unexpected technical issues with the portal.
- Recommendation: Start the application process (i.e., create the account and explore the form) as soon as possible to understand the exact requirements and format. Do not wait until the final week to begin.
