Become A Grant Reviewer

We are currently not accepting new reviewers.

Please check back here for future updates.

As part of our grantmaking process, Maryland Humanities engages external grant reviewers to decide how funding is allocated.

This consists of recruiting community members, humanities scholars and grant experts to participate in trainings, score applications and collectively evaluate grantees to receive awards.

Reviewer Information

Responsibilities

  • Attending a 1-hour virtual orientation to become familiar with the MD Humanities grants process and our grants management portal
  • Before reviewing grant applications, reviewers are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the goals of the Hatza SHINE grant program, applicant eligibility, and the grant scoring rubric.  
  • Reviewers read and score 15 to 20 grant applications. Reviewers are required to provide constructive comments on applications.
  • Reviewers must attend a final review meeting (2 hours) to discuss scoring and decide on funding recommendations.

Stipend

Each reviewer will receive a stipend of $300 for their time and expertise.

Eligibility

  • MD resident, if not a MD resident a significant connection to the Maryland community
  • Professional or personal background in the humanities
  • Demonstrated commitment to or experience in diversity, equity and inclusion principles
  • Experience with grant writing, grant reviewing, program evaluation, program coordination, or community organizing is preferred but not required

Time Commitment

  • Virtual Orientation: 1 hour
  • Independent familiarizing with Hatza SHINE goals, application, and scoring rubric: 2 hours
  • Reading and scoring 15-20 applications: 20 hours
  • Virtual Final Review Meeting: 2 hours
  • Total hours: 25 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I both apply for a Maryland Humanities grant and be a reviewer?

At this time we request that if you are part of an organization (as staff or board) that plans to apply for an FY25 Hatza SHINE grant this summer to refrain from applying to become a reviewer.

What happens after I submit an interest form?

If you are a candidate to be a reviewer, you will receive an email from Program Officer, Grants, Emily Ross to arrange a brief (<15 mins) phone call. During the phone call we’ll discuss your interest and verbally re-confirm your availability. A list of potential reviewers with bios will be put forward to the Maryland Humanities grants committee board members in late June 2024. Accepted reviewers will be notified by July 15, 2024.

How many reviewers will be a part of the review panel?

12-15 external reviewers will join our 6 grants committee board members to make up the entire review panel.

How and when will I receive my stipend payment?

A paper check will be mailed to reviewers in late November 2024 after the final review meeting at the conclusion of the grants review process.

I still have unanswered questions about being a reviewer. Who can I contact?

Contact Program Officer, Grants, Emily Ross at eross@mdhumanities.org