2024-25 BEST Grant Application Training

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  Welcome to the BEST FY2024-25 Grant Application self-paced training. This course includes an overview of BEST, and a walkthrough of the grant application process. This is provided in the form of self-paced tutorials explaining the various aspects of the program and application. Please feel free to attend each or use the below sections as a menu for refreshing your knowledge of the BEST Grant. For returning applicants, we recommend the Recent Changes segment as well as the GAINS walkthrough, once available.

  As always, if you have any additional questions, please contact us!

  Last updated January 2024 where noted 

  * indicates training sections updated for the 24-25 grant round, otherwise content substantially identical to prior grant rounds

  
  
• Select topic Introduction to the BEST Grant Program (2:41)

  Introduction to the BEST Grant Program (2:41)

  
  

  • Select activity Introduction and Overview (2:41)

    

    Introduction and Overview (2:41) Page

    Introduction and goals of this training, and overview of the BEST grant program.

• Select topic BEST Website Orientation (6:49)

  BEST Website Orientation (6:49)
  • Select activity BEST Website Overview (2:09)

    

    BEST Website Overview (2:09) Page

    An overview of the Capital Construction Website
    

  • Select activity Facility Insight (1:34)

    

    Facility Insight (1:34) Page

    An overview of the Facility Insight program, CDE's statewide assessment of school facilities.

  • Select activity BEST Grant Program webpages (3:06)

    

    BEST Grant Program webpages (3:06)

    BEST Grant Program pages within the Capital Construction website.

• Select topic Preparing to Submit a BEST Grant Application (16:03)

  Preparing to Submit a BEST Grant Application (16:03)
  • Select activity BEST Timeline (2:49)*

    

    BEST Timeline (2:49)* Page

    Overview of the annual timeline of the BEST grant cycle.

  • Select activity Components of the BEST Application (1:54)

    

    Components of the BEST Application (1:54) Page

    A diagram explaining how the pieces of a BEST application come together.

  • Select activity Scoring Rubric (6:42)

    

    Scoring Rubric (6:42) Page

    An overview of the evaluation tool used by the CCAB to score applications.

  • Select activity Recent Changes (2:29)*

    

    Recent Changes (2:29)* Page

    A summary of recent changes to the BEST Application, including GAINS, GAINS user roles, and match factor adjustments.

  • Select activity Tips for a Successful Application (2:18)

    

    Tips for a Successful Application (2:18) Page
• Select topic Submittal Requirements, Notices and Disclosures

  Submittal Requirements, Notices and Disclosures
  • Select activity Submittal Requirements Based on Project Scope (3:14)

    

    Submittal Requirements Based on Project Scope (3:14) Page

    Supporting documents required to accompany BEST applications, as relates to the scope of work proposed.

  • Select activity Notices and Disclosures (8:25)

    

    Notices and Disclosures (8:25) Page

    A review of important application notices and disclosures agreed to when submitting a BEST application.

  • Select activity Waiver Applications (3:16)

    

    Waiver Applications (3:16) Page

    Overview of waiver applications

• Select topic Completing the BEST Grant Application in GAINS

  Completing the BEST Grant Application in GAINS
  • Select activity BEST FY2024-25 GAINS Walkthrough and Training*

    

    BEST FY2024-25 GAINS Walkthrough and Training* Page

    A recording of the live GAINS training webinar for the BEST application hosted 1/16/2024

  • Select activity Detailed Project Budget (5:03)*

    

    Detailed Project Budget (5:03)* Page

    Overview of the Detailed Project Budget spreadsheet and how to incorporate budget information into the GAINS application budget.

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