For detailed Tech Tips: go to http://risca.cgweb.org/techtips.php#first

Tips for preparing your online application:

FIRST Create a Profile
To apply to one or multiple grant programs, you must create a profile. Your profile will allow you to apply to one or multiple grants according to your type of profile: Individual or Organization.  To create a profile, go to: http://www.arts.ri.gov/register.
The username and password you enter will be the username and password you will use to access your grant applications each year for yourself or the agency you represent. Then, to being an application go to http://www.arts.ri.gov/apply.

Create your application as a Word document
It is advisable that you craft your narrative text responses for grant application questions in a Word document before entering the information into the online application. Use the Word document to edit your text and count characters. Save the document onto your hard drive for ongoing editing and for your records. The following instructions are for Microsoft Word users only. 1) Compose your narrative in Microsoft Word. Use the spell-check and character-count tools in Word. Note that the character/word count feature in word processors varies. Character counts are indicated for each text box in the application.  2) Highlight the text that you want to copy into the text box within the online application by clicking your cursor at the beginning then dragging it over remainder of the required text to highlight it. 3) Do not bold, italicize, underline, bullet, number, indent or use any other formatting options available in Microsoft Word. Formatting will not transfer into the online application and will cause your text to become illegible. We recommend that you use asterisks (*) or all capital letters to emphasize special words or sections in your narrative text.  4) When you are ready to paste text into the online application, highlight each section of your word document, copy and paste it into the corresponding question box in the application. 

Saving your work in the online application
There is a SAVE WORK button at the bottom of each application page. Each time you click on SAVE WORK the page will refresh and you will return to the top of the page. Do not go to your Internet browser's File drop down menu and select save. When you select save from the File menu, the Web page you are viewing will be saved as an HTML document and your work in the application database will not be saved.

Formatting images to upload online
Please submit JPGs formatted to 1920 pixelsx1920 pixels at 72dpi. If your image is not square, please mask your image with black to bring your image to 1920x1920 pixels. Although RISCA does not endorse the use of any particular image management software, here are links two free software resources available online:
Gimp (MAC)  http://www.gimp.org/downloads/   
Paint (PC)  http://www.getpaint.net/download.html
For specific tips on image resizing, please visit: http://risca.cgweb.org/sample_tips.php

During this transition from paper to online applications, RISCA will accept JPGs under 1MG burned to a CD for this grant cycle. Please deliver the support materials to RISCA offices by October 2, 2009. The CD should be accompanied by a print-out of your application which was submitted by October 1, 2009.

 

Answers to frequently asked questions

There should be no problems with the formatting of the applications whether you use a Mac and a PC.

If you click on Preview Application, some questions will appear incomplete and drop down menus will not be visible.  When you click on “Start Application” these features will become visible

Creating a profile is not the same as starting an application.  Your profile will remain in the system, but you must click on “Start Application” to create a new application for each grant category. 

You can only start applications that coincide with your profile.  If you are filling out an application for an organization, be sure to check the Organizations box when you create your profile.

Your profile type (top section of the Profile page: http://risca.cgweb.org/new_profile.php) should be the name of applying artist for Fellowships and Project Grants or the name of the staff person at the organization to whom a grant check payment would be addressed. 

If you make a mistake within the application and hit submit, RISCA staff can make corrections through the back end of the site.

Free Computer Access in RI
Almost every library in the state of Rhode Island offers free computer access.  Call your local library and inquire about time limits on computers, whether you need to reserve them ahead of time, and classes on how to use computers and the internet.

State of Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services'
Public Library Standards: Access to Materials and Services
http://www.olis.state.ri.us/pubs/plstandards/access.php

Providence Community Libraries

Fox Point Library
90 Ives Street
401-331-0390
 
Knight Memorial Library
275 Elmwood Avenue
401-467-2625

Mt. Pleasant Library
315 Academy Avenue
401-272-0106
 
Olneyville Library
1 Olneyville Square
401-421-4084

Rochambeau Library
708 Hope Street
401-272-3780
 
Smith Hill Library
31 Candace Street
401-272-4140
 
South Providence Library
441 Prairie Avenue
401-467-2619

Wanskuck Library
233 Veazie Street
401-274-4145

Washington Park Library
1316 Broad Street
401-781-3136

The Greenville Public Library
573 Putnam Pike
(401) 949-3630

North Kingstown Free Library
401-294-3306

Newport Public Library 
401-847-8720 

Middletown Public Library
401-846-1573 

Maury Loontjens Memorial Library  
401-789-9507 

Portsmouth Free Public Library 
401-683-9457 

South Kingstown Public Library 
401-789-1555 

Warwick Public Library
401-739-5440

Warwick Public Library: Apponaug Branch
401-739-6411 

West Work Public Library
401-828-3750 

Warwick Public Library: Conimicut Branch
401-737-6546  

TechACCESS of RI is a private, not for profit resource center that serves people with disabilities who are interested in assistive technology. Assistive Technology is any device which helps a person with a disability function better at home, work, school, or in the community. Information and Referral Services regarding assistive technology are available anytime by calling the Center. Anyone may obtain information on assistive technology products, funding, services, etc. at no charge. Referrals are made to service providers, vendors, protection and advocacy services, etc. You may reach the Center by calling (800) 916-TECH (8324) or (401) 463-0202 (V/TDD). http://techaccess-ri.org/resources.html