OLGA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(FAQ)

Do I need to use the Guidelines Wizard each time I wish to apply?

No. Using the Wizard is completely optional.

Is OLGA compatible with a Macintosh?

Yes, OLGA is both PC and Mac compatible. Please refer to Tech Tips regarding operating systems and browsers.

Several individuals within my organization will be preparing the application. Do all of us need an individual User Name and Password?

No! Do not create multiple User Names and Passwords for staff members within your organization. Share the same User Name and Password. Multiple staff members can be logged-on simultaneously with the same User Name and Password.

The application I am looking for does not appear on the "Submit Applications" section of the Main Page?

During certain times of the year, some applications will not be available. In most cases, the OAC will "open" the system to accept applications three months prior to the program’s deadline. In programs where applications are accepted throughout the fiscal year and funds are awarded on a "first come-first served basis" (e.g. Capacity Building), the application will be removed from OLGA when all funds are expended for the fiscal year. The application will re-appear when new funds become available.

I used the Guidelines Wizard and it directed me to the Arts Innovation Program (or Sustainability or another funding program). After completing the Account Profile/Organization section, all funding applications appeared on the Main Page. Is this correct? Does this mean I am eligible for all funding programs?

After completing the Account Profile/Organization section you will have access to all organizational applications. Likewise, if you complete the Account Profile/Individual section you will be directed to all individual applications. Keep in mind this does not mean you are eligible for all of the programs listed. Please refer to the Guidelines for full eligibility requirements in each specific funding program.

I created an Account Profile and moved onto to the Main Page under Submit Applications. I clicked on "Preview" which generated a PDF file of the application. However, the information I entered in my Account Profile does not appear in the PDF. What happened?

This is normal. Your Account Profile information will not appear in the PDF until you start an application. Once you start an application and save the first section, the information from your Account Profile will appear on the PDF.

When I click on the "Archives" box on the main Navigational Bar I receive an Error Message. Why?

The OAC did not enter past and current (FY2005) grants into the OLGA system. The Archive box will function after the first year of OLGA has ended (July, 2006). At that point, you would use the Archive box to view your FY2006 grant. In the fall of 2008, clicking the Archive box will show you your grants from FY06, FY07, FY08, etc.

What is the difference between the "Manage Current Grants" box and the "Submit Applications" box on the Main page?

The "Submit Applications" box is always used for applications - not for awarded grants. If the application is approved, it moves into the "Manage Current Grants" section. The "Manage Current Grants" section is used for submitting partial payments (if applicable), submitting final reports, updating budgets, status confirmation, etc.

I submitted an application in Sustainability (or another program). When I started to fill out an application in a different funding program, there appeared to be information already filled-in? Why?

This is feature of OLGA. Information which is common between applications, especially fields relating to the organization in general, is automatically populated into subsequent applications. In these subsequent applications you will have the ability to update or completely write over such automatically populated fields, should you choose to do so.

I need assistance with the Narrative section of my application. I am not certain I understand a particular question. What should I do?

These types of questions should be directed to an OAC program coordinator. Applicants in Individual Creativity and Arts Learning should contact those offices respectively. All other applicants should contact the Office of Organizational Services, wherein specific program coordinators shall oversee specific regions within Ohio. For a staff list, click here.

I have a technical question about OLGA. How do I obtain assistance?

Call the OAC at 614-466-2613 and ask for the OLGA Help Desk. Help Desk hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00 am until 5:00 pm; closed holidays. You may also e-mail: olgahelpdesk@oac.state.oh.us (In most cases, e-mails will be answered within the same business day except on weekends and holidays.)

What is the best way to obtain technical help with OLGA?

If you are not on a dial-up connection, call us on the phone while you are still having the problem. If you are on a dial-up connection and have a cell phone, call us on your cell phone. We have the ability to simultaneously view any part of your OLGA application while it is in progress in order to assess what difficulties you may be having at a given moment. If you have only one phone line for both your computer and telephone, make a note of the exact problem you are experiencing. You may wish to print the screen in which the problem is occurring. Telephone the OAC or send an e-mail explaining the problem.

I submitted my application by mistake (or I need to make a major change to some of the information). What can I do?

If it is before the deadline date, call the OAC Help Desk at 614-466-2613. Corrections and/or changes cannot be made after the deadline has passed!

I submitted a draft of my application two days ago. I received an e-mail saying it was received but have yet to receive any feedback. When can I expect it?

When an application is submitted as a draft it is forwarded within 24 hours to the appropriate program coordinator for review. Drafts are always reviewed by staff on a first-come, first served basis. The earlier you submit a draft, the quicker it will be reviewed. It is quite possible that a single program coordinator may receive several dozen draft applications on the last day they can be submitted. In most cases, a draft takes 2 - 3 weeks for review. You may continue to work on your application while the draft is being reviewed by staff

Do I need to mail a set of support materials with my draft?

No, please do not send support materials with your draft. They will not be reviewed, they will not be returned, and they cannot be held until your final application is due.

May I send my support materials as a file attachment(s) to my on-line application?

No, not at this time.

Why do you ask for my organization's URL (web address)?

The OAC encourages all applicants and grantees to maintain a web presence. Research indicates that an ever-increasing number of individuals now use the Internet as their first contact to arts organizations/events. A well-designed website can be an organization's most valuable marketing asset. Although a web site is by no means mandatory for applying to the OAC, panelists will be encouraged to explore applicants' web sites to become familiar with the organization and how it presents itself to the public.

Does my application number (or grant number) having any specific meaning?

Application/grant numbers are six digits in length. The first two numbers represent the OAC's fiscal year. For example, a grant number 06#### means it is an application/grant for the OAC's Fiscal Year 2006 (activities between July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006). The final four digits are sequentially assigned by program area as applications are submitted.