Community-Based Review Process

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Community Grantmaking (aka Community Review Process)?

A collaborative, participatory process where community members are involved in decision-making about grant funding. At GCAC, we’re currently utilizing a community review process for Artists Projects and Project Support.

What are the expectations for Community Reviewers?

Community Reviewers will receive video training and a handbook on how to read, evaluate, and score applications within GCAC guidelines. Each reviewer will be assigned 4-6 grant applications to read and review at home over a 2-week period. Then, all reviewers will come together in small groups with their notes and initial scores to discuss each application and agree on final scoring recommendations.

Who should sign up to be a Community Reviewer?

You! Maybe you’re an artist, advocate, volunteer, supporter or audience member. Community grantmaking is for ALL. Grant applicants may also be part of the process and help review applications from other applicants.

How do I sign-up to be a Community Reviewer?

Simply read the expectations and timeline for the process, then fill out the Interest Form (available on August 5) to indicate that you’d like to volunteer as a Community Reviewer. Please make sure the timeline and Community Review Day options work with your schedule.

How are Community Reviewers selected?

It is our goal the everyone who signs up has a chance to participate. In the case that we receive more interest forms than we have capacity for, we will randomly select who is invited to participate and who is placed on a waiting list.

On the Interest Form, why do you ask for demographic information?

It is important that the Community Review Process includes participants from all backgrounds that are representative of our diverse community. We hope to balance each small group of reviewers with community members from different age groups, races/ethnicities, gender identities, educational backgrounds, and neighborhoods. For each demographic question, there is an option to opt-out, but we highly encourage potential Community Reviewers answer the questions they are comfortable with. All demographic information will be kept confidential.