Our grant review process is built on thoughtful collaboration, fairness, and subject expertise to ensure the funding we distribute makes the greatest possible impact. With a combination of dedicated volunteers and subject matter experts, our committees are the driving force behind our grantmaking success.
How Our Committees are Structured
We have one Strategic Grants Committee for each of our five funding pillars, and a Grants Advisory Committee. Each committee includes four to six members, including at least one Subject Matter Expert (SME).
This structure was designed to allow committees to evaluate grant applications from similar organizations within the same pillar rather than comparing applications from unrelated fields. This focused approach makes the evaluation process more efficient and equitable.
While we aim for most committee members to have some knowledge of the subject matter, an SME ensures that decisions are informed by expert insight.
Grants Advisory Committee Responsibilities
The Grants Advisory Committee oversees high-level decisions and ensures the grant process remains effective and equitable. Their responsibilities include:
- Approving major changes to the application, evaluation, and grant processes.
- Setting evaluation criteria and determining which factors should be weighted more heavily.
- Establishing guidelines for award determination.
- Recommending adjustments to the distribution of funds across funding pillars.
This committee operates differently from others. Its members are a compilation of anyone who has served on a Strategic Grants Committee or as part of the original Grant Review Committee. They are re-invited annually based on their interest and availability.
Time Commitment
Serving on a Strategic Grants Committee requires a meaningful but manageable time commitment. Here’s what to expect:
- Training: A one-hour session to familiarize members with the process.
- Grant Review: Two to three weeks to review applications, with an estimated one hour per application (for example, 15-20 applications would require 15-20 hours total). The Healthy Mind & Body pillar typically sees the most applications (around 40), so members in this area may need to dedicate more time.
- Committee Meeting: A three-hour meeting to discuss and finalize recommendations.
Once members find their rhythm, many report spending less than an hour per application.
Join Us and Make a Difference
Our Strategic Grants Committees play a vital role in shaping the future of our community. Whether you bring subject expertise or a passion for service, your involvement can make a tangible impact.
If you want to join a Strategic Grants Committee, contact Alison Geradot or Angela Stanley.
Together, we can ensure that every grant dollar fuels meaningful change in our community.