To improve your grant-writing skills, you need to think like a grant reviewer.
Sure, you could track down one of these mythical creatures and persuade them to divulge all their secrets. Tempt them with lattes and chocolate until they tell you exactly what will get your grant application approved.
But there’s an easier way that’s not as ethically questionable.
You could become a grant reviewer yourself.
Yes, sitting on the other side of the table can be eye-opening for even the most experienced grant writer. It’s a great professional development opportunity that allows you to observe the back end of the grant review process.
After spending some time reading and scoring competitive grant proposals, you’ll be better positioned to write to your audience.
What are the benefits of becoming a grant reviewer?
Most grantmaking agencies engage grant peer reviewers to read proposals and offer an analysis and rating for each grant application. The rating is based upon the application requirements and selection criteria in the request for proposal.
As a professional grant writer, this experience will help you in a few ways.
- You’ll see how other organizations approach grant proposals.
- You’ll get an up-close-and-personal look at the grant evaluation process.
- You’ll gain a better understanding of a specific grant program.
- You’ll network with peers in your field as well as the agency’s officials.
- You’ll bring new ideas to your own organization.
But don't take our word for it. Here's a first-hand account.
How do you become a grant peer reviewer?
The federal government always needs volunteers to serve as grant reviewers. Each agency has a different application process. Some simply provide an email address for inquiries about a specific program; some have a formal intake function.
Agencies have qualifications for grant reviewers. Depending on the program, academics may be preferred. Others will look for professionals working in the field to score grants. You’ll need to ensure your qualifications mesh with program guidelines before applying. Most programs will request your CV; some will ask for references.
Additionally, don’t expect to become wealthy serving as a grant reviewer. Most agencies offer a stipend for your time and effort, but it’s quite small. It’s best to consider this volunteer work.
15 Federal Grant Reviewer Opportunities
We’ve compiled a few links to help you get started. This is by no means an exhaustive list. If you are interested in serving as a peer reviewer for another agency or program, make Google your friend. These opportunities are usually fairly easy to locate.
A note: some agencies may refer to reviewers as panelists, field readers or a similar term.
Administration for Community Living
General facts about the peer review process.
Call for 2023 grant reviewers.
Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education
Instructions on becoming a field reader for the TRIO program.
Explanation of the application process and list of areas of expertise needed.
Process guide and link to volunteer.
Apply to serve as a reviewer for the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals.
Health Resources and Services Administration
Information on the application process as well as webinars.
Institute of Museum and Library Sciences
Apply for up to four grant programs.
Contact the program officer for the grant program you’d like to pursue
A list of reviewer opportunities within the agency.
National Endowment for the Arts
Applications for various NEA grant programs.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Submit form to be considered as a candidate.
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Information and a link to apply.
Information on how to apply and resources for new reviewers.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration
Information about the application process and link to open opportunities.
Other places to look for peer review opportunities
You’ll also find grant reviewer opportunities at the state and possibly local level. Browse grant makers’ websites for information and reach out to program officers to ask about specific opportunities.
We also share grant reviewer information on Twitter when we come across it. Give us a follow and never miss another chance to serve as a peer reviewer.