Grants Review Committees

Grants review volunteers are vital to the success of our organization. In this important and rewarding role, volunteers select the most qualified nonprofit to present their transformational projects at the Big Give. If you want to deepen your Impact involvement, to learn more about our local nonprofit partners and community issues and to build fellowship with other members, become a grants review volunteer. GRC volunteer sign ups are open in early February and are first-come, first-serve.

Grants Review Process

Volunteers are divided into committees to facilitate the grants review process. Each committee reviews grant applications from ALL focus areas. This process ensures we consistently select the most qualified finalists, regardless of focus area. It also allows us to divide applications evenly among committees so volunteers are not overwhelmed by the number of applications needing review. 

Grant applicants self identify from one of these FIVE FOCUS AREAS:

Arts and Culture: Projects that develop and enrich the community and/or the lives of women, children and families through the expressive arts or enhanced cultural opportunities

Education: Projects that further the educational process or improve access to education for children and/or adults

Environment & Sustainability: Projects that restore, preserve, revitalize or enhance physical or natural surroundings, including indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and other buildings or structures

Family: Projects that strengthen and enhance the lives of children and families

Health & Wellness: Projects that improve the mental and/or physical well-being of people

Grants Review Volunteer Responsibilities

1. Read and evaluate applications then attend a committee meeting in March to select up to three applicants for a group site visit.
   
2. Participate in a group site visit to learn more about the grant project and to give feedback to your Site Visit Captain.
3. Attend a second committee meeting in April to select your finalist for the Big Give in May.