Instructions for Using the Fillable Application Forms - Individual Artist and Organization Grants
Using the application form requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader® (7 or higher). If you don't have a copy of Acrobat Reader®, go to Adobe's web site and download the latest version. It's free!
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
When you click on the link to the application form it will open in your browser. You can then click on save icon (looks like a diskette) on the Acrobat Reader® toolbar to save the application form on your computer. You may then open the form, fill it out using your computer, save your working document, and then print the completed form.
Completing the Application Form on your Computer
To fill out the form, place the curser in the area that you want to type in and click. You can use the tab key to move between fill areas or simply use your curser and click in the desired area. Check boxes are activated by a click of the mouse. You can also uncheck the boxes by another click of the mouse. We suggest that you experiment with the form in advance of the application deadline. Because this is a form, it does not have all the features of word processing (i.e., you cannot format your text with bold or italics, and you cannot use the spelling check feature. Editing lengthy amounts of text can be cumbersome in this format. You may find it easier to compose and edit any large blocks of text first in a separate document, and then use the copy and paste function on your computer to place text into the form.
NOTES:
1) The application form is a protected document. The fonts and fields are locked so they cannot be changed.
2) What you see is what you print! Some fields may allow you to type more text than will be visible on the form. Do not type beyond the form blanks. Type that scrolls past the space provided will not be visible as you print out the form.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You will be able to save the information that you enter into the form with the free Reader, if you have updated to 7.0 or higher. However, we are not accepting electronic copies at this time. So, once the form is filled out, you must print hard copies for the signatures and dates.
When you are ready to print, be sure to use the print icon located on the same line/bar as the other ADOBE icons, and NOT the print icon on your browser's task bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When I download the forms I get boxes or an error message.
Sounds like you are using an earlier version Acrobat Reader®. Download and install a newer version. It is available free.
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
If you are working with an earlier version that does not include the UPDATE feature located in the HELP button on the tool bar, it is best to uninstall your earlier version of Acrobat Reader® prior to installing the newer version. This is not necessary if you use the UPDATE feature found in later versions of Acrobat Reader®.
Can you save information on these forms?
Yes, you can save the information you enter into the form if you are using version 7.0 or higher. You will still need to print copies for the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
When I print the form it comes out blank, or looks strange.
Make sure to use the printer icon that opens with Adobe Reader® instead of your browser's print icon.
Nothing works.
If you continue to have problems, we'll be glad to send you the form by fax or mail. You'll need to find a typewriter as you won't be able to complete the application on your computer.
What does PDF mean?
It stands for Portable Document Format . PDFs work on both Windows and Macs. PDFs are used to deliver all kinds of forms on the web, including IRS tax forms.
I downloaded Acrobat Reader® and I still can't open the form.
Did you install it? After you download Acrobat Reader®, you need to follow the instructions on Adobe's site for installing it on your computer.
If you installed it and it still is not working right, you may need to uninstall any previous version that is on your computer and then re-install the new one.
If you are still experiencing difficulties after following all of the above steps, give us a call at 758-5195, x6 and we will be happy to assist you.