Help shape equitable funding decisions across Minnesota.
The department is seeking individuals from diverse backgrounds to serve as grant reviewers. Your lived experience and expertise in human services can help ensure fairness, transparency and inclusion in our competitive grantmaking process.
Frequently asked questions
What do grant reviewers do?
Grant reviewers evaluate competitive proposals submitted throughout the year. Reviewers may include state employees, members of executive branch boards, committees, authorities, task forces and councils, as well as community members.
Grant reviewer scores and recommendations and play a key role in determining which proposals receive funding.
What are the benefits of serving as a grant reviewer?
Participating as a grant reviewer offers:
- Influence on how public funds are distributed.
- Opportunities to share insights that strengthen future DHS grants.
- Skill-building in grant writing and evaluation.
- Connections to programs and best practices across Minnesota.
What are the expectations for grant reviewers?
If you are selected as a grant reviewer, you will:
- Participate in a required training on reviewing funding proposals (approximately 60–90 minutes).
- Review proposals and accompanying materials (approximately 1- 2 hours per proposal).
- Join a review group meeting (approximately 2–3 hours).
- Actively engage in discussion about the proposals and make funding recommendations with other reviewers.
Confidentiality and grants Conflict of Interest requirements for grant reviewers include:
- Maintain confidentiality: All applications and reviewer comments must remain private.
- Public disclosure: Applications are not considered public information until grants are awarded.
- DHS Grants Conflict of Interest: Review this link for more information on the conflict of interest process and requirements for grant reviewers.
Is there compensation for grant reviewers?
Grant reviewers who fully participate in the process may be eligible for stipend or honorariums if the program funding allows.
Who should apply to be a grant reviewer?
Applications are welcomed from:
- Community members, advocates and subject matter experts.
- Individuals from all regions of Minnesota.
- People with lived experience in human services.
- Reviewers with any level of grant review experience.
Selections are based on geography, target populations, life experience and expertise. Please complete the application thoroughly so staff can fairly assess your qualifications.
Note: Participation is voluntary. Only completed applications will be considered.
Apply Now: [LINK - to Grant Reviewer Application]
