ALASKA STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS ONLINE GRANT SYSTEM
Database Status: Connected
September 6th, 2010
READ ME FIRST FAQs
Alaska State Council on the Arts' (ASCA) goal with Culture Grants Online (CGO) is to simplify the application process and help applicants create strong, competitive, successful grants.
I've never applied for an ASCA grant. Can I just go ahead and apply?
No. If this is your first grant application, call ASCA staff before you proceed any further. If you are a returning grantee and intend to apply in a different grant category than before, call ASCA staff before you proceed any further. ASCA staff can provide important time saving guidance.
Do I have to apply online?
Yes! ASCA no longer accepts paper applications in most grant categories.
ASCA grant applicants must apply through CGO for: Artists in Schools Independent, Artists in Schools Structured, Annual Operating Support, Biennial Operating Support, Career Opportunity, Community Arts Development, Master Artist and Apprenticeship in Traditional Native Art, and Workshop grants.
What are the grant deadlines?
Deadlines are listed in the grant guidelines. Applications may be submitted online until 9:59 pm Alaska Standard Time on the deadline date. Supplemental material that can't be uploaded electronically must be postmarked by the same deadline. Alternately, supplemental material may be hand delivered to the ASCA office by 5:00 PM on the deadline date. If the deadline falls on a weekend, supplemental materials are due the Friday prior.
Is there anything special I need to know before I apply?
Yes! Print the TECH TIPS (orange button with a "T" in upper right corner of your screen) and the GRANT GUIDELINES in your grant category. They are written for your success.
Read the TIPS and GRANT GUIDELINES thoroughly. This will help avoid common application mistakes, orient you with hardware and software requirements, and provide critical information on how to navigate the online grant system.
The TIPS also explain how to spell check, character count your narrative, and use the all important button. If this is your first grant, call ASCA before you proceed.
How do I log in to see the grant applications?
You must first create a profile. To do this, click the Login button on the left side of the screen. Then click the "New User, Register Here" hotlink at the bottom of the page.
Complete the profile form. The username and password you select will provide access to new and in-progress grant applications.
If you have or intend to apply to the Alaska Humanities Forum for funding you must use a unique username and password for their grant system. This will keep you from being routed to the wrong funding agency website.
Do I have to complete my application all at the same time?
ASCA CGO lets you save, review, make changes, log in and out or print as often as you'd like. This allows you to complete an application in multiple sittings. Go to Tech Tips for additional detailed information.
Can two or more of us work on the same grant application?
Yes, but not at the same time. Make sure that only one writer is in your application at any one time. You can share the username and password with others who are working on the application. This gives them access to make changes and additions to the application. SAVE YOUR WORK OFTEN! Remember the last person to save their entry determines the final application.
Our organization doesn't have 501(c)(3) status. Can we still apply?
Yes. If your organization is otherwise qualified but has not attained tax exempt status you can apply through a fiscal agent in some of the grant categories (Workshop, Community Arts Development).
The fiscal agent is responsible for any and all fiscal liabilty, and is awarded the funds on behalf of your organization. A fiscal agent must be a 501(c)(3) organization that has a close working relationship with your organization, endorses the project, and accepts financial and reporting responsiblities for your organization.
How do I upload electronic supplemental material?
The CGO system is limited in what types of files you can upload into your online application. The red HELP button will guide you through the upload process.
Documents that cannot be uploaded (see the Tech Tips and Grant Guidelines), due to CGO limitations, can be listed in the application and mailed. Applications whose supplemental material is listed in the application but is sent after the postmark deadline will be considered late, and will not be reviewed.
I can't upload my supplemental material. What do I do?
Mail it by the postmark deadline. Or hand carry it to the ASCA office by 5:00 PM on the deadline. Include a copy of your profile page.
How do I get a copy of my application?
Save a PDF copy of your online grant application to your hard drive prior to submitting your grant. Print the PDF and confirm the application matches your online entry.
Can an ASCA grant administrator review my grant before I submit it?
Yes. The final submission page will have a DRAFT REVIEW button option. ASCA staff will review your application up to 15 calendar days in advance of the deadline.
I'm ready to submit my application but I'm having computer problems. Can I just fax you a copy?
No. Faxed applications will not be accepted.
How do I know my application has been received?
An auto email will confirm ASCA's receipt of your application. The auto email is sent to the email address entered in your profile and will include information about the grant review and funding process.
I submitted my application but I didn't get an auto email. What happened?
Step 1: Go to your profile page. The confirmation email is sent to the address listed here. Confirm that the email address you entered is accurate.
Step 2: Check that you answered all required questions (indicated by red *). The system will not accept incomplete applications. A prompt page with red hotlinks will redirect you to those questions. Click the SUBMIT button after you complete the required questions. The system should accept your submission
I did everything I was supposed to do. But I still didn't get a confirmation email. Now what?
Call ASCA staff during business hours, M - F, 8 AM to 5 PM. Click on the Contact ASCA Staff button to the left for specific staff contact information.
Technical assistance is provided M - F 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. No technical assistance is available on weekends.
Finally, a word to the wise (this means you).
Start your application early. Don't wait to the last minute to contact staff. Technical assistance takes time and is offered on a first come first served basis.
Alaska State Council on the Arts
161 S. Klevin Street, Suite 102
Anchorage, AK 99508 - 1506
Telephone: 907-269-6610
Toll-Free 1-888-278-7424
Fax:907-269-6601
www.eed.state.ak.us/aksca
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