Serve DC is seeking individuals to review grant proposals for two 2007 Learn and Serve America mini-grant funding competitions.  This is an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues in the national service and education fields; learn more about the grant-making process; develop your own grant-writing skills; learn about exciting service-learning initiatives happening in local schools and community-based organizations; and contribute your knowledge and experience to Serve DC’s efforts to select high-quality service-learning programs for Learn and Serve America mini-grant funding.

What does a grant reviewer do?  Grant reviewers will help to evaluate funding applications for the 2007 Learn and Serve America Community-Based and Homeland Security School-Based mini-grant competitions.  Reviewers read, score, and evaluate proposals, and discuss their findings with a small group of reviewers and a facilitator. The panel then comes to consensus to rank the proposals according to quality and recommend them for the next level of review.

What qualifications should reviewers have?  Serve DC is looking for a diverse group of reviewers--males and females of all ages, races and ethnicities--that have experience with national service, education, or community-based programs, and grant writing.  Serve DC would like to recruit reviewers experienced with service-learning, education, youth development, or national service.  For example, reviewers may be community service practitioners, educators, students, youth participants, national service alumni, people working in foundations, or individuals working on public policy issues. 

Reviewers must be comfortable reading a large volume of material in a short period of time and providing analysis in a small group setting.

Can members currently serving in AmeriCorps or any other streams of service serve as reviewers?  No, you must have completed your AmeriCorps service before being selected as a reviewer.  Alumni of the AmeriCorps programs are strongly encouraged to apply to serve as reviewers.  AmeriCorps members must have completed service by January 1, 2007.

Can people who work for a Corporation for National and Community Service-funded program serve as a reviewer?  Yes, people who work for organizations affiliated with other Learn and Serve America, AmeriCorps or national service programs may serve as reviewers.  For instance, an individual who works for an organization that hosts a VISTA volunteer may review AmeriCorps applications.  However, people cannot serve as a reviewer for the AmeriCorps programs if they work for an organization that is being considered for funding in this competition.

What is the time commitment?  Serve DC is seeking three grant reviewers per competition (a total of six).  Serve DC will consider a reviewer for both grant reviews.  Reviewers will participate in a short training when applications are picked up.  The period between the training session and the consensus session will be dedicated to reviewing and scoring the proposals.  After the review period, reviewers will convene for a consensus session with a facilitator to rank the applications.  When you apply, please indicate the review session you are interested in participating in.  Also, please indicate if you are interested in participating in both review sessions.      

• Learn and Serve Community-Based Mini-Grant Review:  Reviewers must be available on April 18, 2007 (5:00pm-6:00pm) and April 23, 2007 (5:00pm-7:00pm). 
• Learn and Serve Homeland Security School-Based Review:  Reviewers must be available on May 2, 2007 (5:00pm-6:00pm) and May 7, 2007 (5:00pm-7:00pm). 

What are the benefits to reviewers?  The grant review experience is an excellent opportunity to meet and network with colleagues in the national service and service-learning fields; find out about exciting programming and trends in service-learning and youth programs; develop a deeper understanding of the grant-writing and grant-making processes; and contribute experience to the selection of high-quality programs for the District of Columbia. Reviewers will receive a stipend of $ 100 per grant review (not to exceed $200 per person).  Reviewers must participate in a training and consensus session for the grant review.    

How does one apply to become a reviewer?  To apply, please forward your resume to: Kristen Henry, Learn and Serve Coordinator, Serve DC, 441 4th Street, Suite 1140N, Washington, DC 20001 or e-mail Kristen.Henry@dc.gov, (202) 727-8003.  Please share this announcement with others who are qualified reviewers. 

Is there a deadline to apply?  We will begin reviewing resumes and contacting potential reviewers as the resumes arrive.  Please submit resumes as soon as possible, but no later than 5pm on April 4, 2007 for consideration.

What are the next steps after submitting a resume? Serve DC will review resumes and begin contacting qualified applicants.  We will check for conflicts of interest and confirm availability at that time.