Grant Evaluator

2022 Community Grants Program

The goal of the 2022 Community Grants Program is to support healthy, thriving and sustainable communities with funding awarded through an open, responsive grantmaking program that offers flexible types of support to organizations in response to community-defined needs. This program prioritizes communities in Oregon most impacted by social, economic and/or racial injustices and inequities.

Purpose and value of this volunteer position

Grant evaluators assess grant applications, providing objective, thoughtful, and relevant information for a multi-faceted decision-making process that is guided by the program’s funding objectives and responds to community needs. Grant evaluators provide insight into their area’s nonprofits and bring their unique understanding of local communities to the review process. Volunteers value this role because they learn about organizations in their community, appreciate the team approach, and collaborate with others.

Grant Evaluator Responsibilities

• Participate in training and review materials to understand and apply grant program
• Read and analyze grant applications independently
• Work with small teams to recommend applications for further review
•  Attend two group meetings (online or in person TBD for 2022)
•  Conduct fact-finding interviews with applicants (online or in person TBD for 2022)
•  Give concise verbal and written reports and analyses by established deadlines
•  Declare potential conflicts of interest with applicant organizations

Preferred Skills and Experience for Grant Evaluators

• Experience as a nonprofit staff, board member, or volunteer
• Lived experience of one or more priority populations for the 2022 program
• Awareness of the diversity and complexity of communities of the nonprofit sector
• Experience navigating power dynamics while conducting applicant reviews

Qualities sought include : curiosity, openness, willingness to learn, intercultural skills and interest in equitable practices, problem-solving and innovation

Requirements

Technology: Access to a computer and internet; Use email as the primary communication tool; Access and submit online forms and use file-sharing systems. Meetings: Participate in required online group meetings and trainings; Have the flexibility to conduct some activities during working hours, such as meetings with applicants, and two team meetings.

Time Commitment

 In 2022, evaluators can expect to spend a minimum of 15 hours and a maximum of 40 hours in this role between mid-April to mid-June. Time commitment varies based on the number of applications assigned, participation in the full review process, and evaluator experience. Refer to the separate cycle calendar for specific meeting dates and deadlines; most of the time commitment is on the evaluator’s own schedule.

Training

OCF provides a detailed training manual for application review, orientation to OCF, and online training on the grant guidelines and review process. Office hours with program staff are regularly offered to ask questions and connect. A basic training on technology or online platforms will also be provided.

Location

The health of OCF volunteers, staff, and community members is priority #1. For 2022, training sessions and program staff office hours will be held online. Small group meetings and applicant site visits may be conducted online; there may also be options to meet in person.

*Statewide Recruitment* We are looking for evaluators that currently live in all regions of Oregon

*Virtual Position- must have reliable computer and internet access*

To Learn more about this Role

Contact Sonja Mckenzie, Community Engagement Coordinator for Volunteers at smckenzie@oregoncf.org