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Overview:
A grantseeker using an Idaho Community Foundation (ICF) online
application should review this document before beginning the
application. It should be the first place you turn with questions as you
go through the application. We will try to update these instructions
periodically with relevant tips and insights.
System Requirements:
Applicants must have access to the Internet and a Web browser that
allows cookies. The online application system has been tested and found
to be compatible with the following Web browser versions: Internet
Explorer 5.5 SP 2, Internet Explorer 6, Netscape 4.76 or 6.2.3, or
Internet Explorer 5.14 for Macintosh OS X. If you are unsure of the
version of your web browser, or it is not listed above, try to apply
online anyway. If you do not have personal access to the Internet, you
may want to visit your local library. Most public libraries provide free
or low cost access to the Internet.
Navigation:
Applications are designed to be easy to use. The first section is an
Eligibility Quiz. Take it, and if your project passes, you are directed
to the application, which consists of five more sections. Once in the
application, you can fill out questions, skip questions, or jump ahead
or back to different sections by clicking on the page numbers (1-5) at
the top of the page, or by using your back and forward button on your
web browser (may not function until after you have actually visited each
page). Don’t forget that all required fields must be completed before
you will be allowed to submit the application.
Embedded Links:
We have embedded some links on each page of the application that you
should find helpful. These links are:
• Home - takes you to the home page of ICF’s website.
Caution: clicking on this link while in an application will take you all
the way out of the application. You may lose any unsaved data entry,
although clicking your “Back” button while in our website may return you
to the application.
• Application Information - takes you to the relevant
“Application Information” page on ICF’s website. Note: clicking on this
link while in the application will open a window showing the
“Application Information” on ICF’s website. You should be able to
minimize the window and access it at will. Clicking on this link should
not take you out of the application.
• Technical Instructions – takes you to this page (the
page you are currently reading). Note: clicking on this link while in
the application will open a window containing these “Technical
Instructions.” You should be able to minimize the window and access it
at will. Clicking on this link should not take you out of the
application.
• Contact Us – should launch your email application so
that you can send an email to ICF’s Grants Department at grants@idcomfdn.org.
You are welcome to make inquiries related to the application process
that you don’t feel were adequately addressed in the supporting
documentation.
Formatting:
We strongly recommend that you review the application and write your
responses to the narrative sections in a Word or WordPerfect or text
document before you start filling out the form. This will allow you to
do any rewrites or edits, as well as spell check, prior to entering the
application. PLEASE SPELLCHECK YOUR WORK. You may then copy and paste
your answers into the on-line form. This will also help guard against
losing your thoughts in the event there is an internet failure while you
are inputting your application.
Please use only plain text. Do not use bulleted lists, bold, underline,
or italics. Apostrophes may not show up correctly so avoid using them
wherever possible. You may use quotation marks, numbered lists, $,
parentheses, and hard returns.
For your work to be entered in a format compatible with ICF’s grant
tracking software, please follow the recommended format styles when
prompted to do so. This is particularly important with items such as
telephone numbers.
Attachments:
Our on-line application does not allow attachments such as
letters of support, testimonials, or photos. We encourage you to include
a website or email address in your application narrative so our grant
reviewers can access any other information you would like to share.
Please do not send extra materials to ICF as we will not be able to
share them with our grant reviewers.
Length:
Certain questions in the application allow you to enter text in a
narrative format. Please adhere to the length restrictions for the
questions. You will notice, as you get to the end of a text field, that
the system allows you to continue typing. Do not continue. We realize
that it is very tempting to keep adding more information, but please be
brief and concise in your answers. You may use all of the space
provided, but no more.
Your Application Account:
Why set up an account? Creating an “Application Account” allows you to:
• Save unfinished applications and return to finish them later.
After you begin an application, you may click on the “Save and Finish
Later” button. This will save the work you have done on the application
to your account. By logging in to your account, you will then be able to
access the unfinished application.
• Track the history of your grant submission(s).
Once you have submitted an application, you may return to your account
to view the application. If you have submitted multiple
applications, as may be the case if you are a professional grant writer
working for several different organizations or if you are submitting to
more than one ICF grant program, you will be able to view which
applications have actually been submitted and which may still be in
progress.
• Enter and review your account at any time using the link emailed to
you, or through the link provided on the “Grants” section of ICF’s
website.
How to Set up an Account:
When you have finished your application and you click on the “Submit”
button, or if you click on the “Save and Finish Later” button while
completing your application, you will be asked to set up an Application
Account. You will need to provide a valid email address and choose a
password. Once you submit this information, you will receive an email
(to the address you provided) acknowledging the creation of your
account. The email will also contain a link that you can click on to
return to your Application Account login, as well as a reminder of the
password you chose. The email address you provide may also be used by
ICF staff to make inquiries related to your application or to provide
you with updates on the application process.
If you would like to set up an Application Account prior to accessing an
application, you are welcome to do so by clicking on the “Online Grant
Application - Account Login” link in the “Grants” section of ICF’s
website, or by entering the following URL into the address field of your
web browser: http://www.grantrequest.com/SID_356/Default.asp?SA=AM&PD=AL
Please note that you cannot start an application from your account. You
must start an application using the appropriate links. Once started, you
may then save the application to your account.
If you have not yet set up an account, you should mark “I am a new
online applicant.” If you have already set up an account, even if you
are working on a second application, you should mark “I am a returning
online applicant.”
Please remember to enter a valid email address and choose a password
when you set up your account. If you later forget your password, simply
go to the Account Login page and click on “Forgot your password? Click
here.”
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