GOOD

To Become a^Grant

Writer–Become a Grant Reviewer

Kermit R. McMurry, Ph.D.Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education

WHAT IS A GRANT REVIEWER?

A grant reviewer is one who is selected to objectively evaluate the quality of a competitive grant application.

WHAT DO GRANT REVIEWERS DO?

Grant reviewers (for the federal government) use their expertise and knowledge about a specific subject matter in such a way as to be able to assess grant applications according to established evaluation criteria.

HOW IS IT DONE?

Most, if not all government agencies have peer review panels (usually 3) comprised of outside experts who are given the review criteria and review instructions. (Rules of Engagement)

WHY BECOME A GRANT REVIEWER? Reviewing grant applications will help the

reviewer to gain experience in preparing quality grant applications.

It provides the grant reviewer with an overview of the grant award process.

It provides an opportunity to network with your professional peers and federal officials.

The process increases a reviewer’s arsenal of the knowledge/skills required to write a top-notch grant proposal.

WHAT DOES A GRANT REVIEWER HAVE TO DO?

Have the time and desire

Have access to the Internet and a printer

Have the ability to interact with a web-based environment

Read review orientation materials and have the ability and time to participate in a reviewer orientation session

WHAT DOES A GRANT REVIEWER HAVE TO DO?(CONTINUED)

Have time to critically read and score assigned applications (usually ten or more)

Have ability to prepare clear, concise and well-written comments on the strengths and weaknesses of each application (based on grant criteria)

Be prepared to make appropriate revisions on your strengths/weaknesses after a discussion with other peer reviewers

Have a willingness to compromise and see other reasonable points of view

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL PROPOSAL COMPONENTS?

Abstract Statement of need Target population to be served Objectives (What will be accomplished) Program description/Plan of operation (How

objectives will be accomplished) Key personnel Institution commitment Evaluation process (How objectives will be

measured) Budget (How much is it going to cost, and

how it is linked to objectives and plan of operation)

TEN REASONS FOR BECOMING A GRANT REVIEWER (THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TABLE)

1. Helps understand the “rules” of the grant game

2. Help tailor application to meet the specific requirements of the program announcement

3. Helps write a grant proposal in a way that is easy to read (grant reviewers don’t want to take time to figure out what an application is trying to convey).

4. Helps understand what a “winning” writing style reads/looks like.

5. Helps grant writers understand the value of selecting someone to edit proposals for:

Coherence and clarity Missing or overlapping information Inconsistencies Compelling argument

6. Helps grant writers understand the value of using headings, charts and graphs

7. Helps grant writers better understand why it is important to ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS use the format provided in the application instructions (Creating your own format is generally a bad idea.)

8. Helps avoid fatal flaws and common mistakes in preparing a grant proposal, such as:

• Sloppy or confusing presentation• Failure to make a case for the importance of the

proposed effort• Lack of clarity• Objectives, need, and plan of operation do not

link together• Evaluation strategy is not linked to measuring

success of objectives

9. Helps writer assess what relevant and current information is required to establish need.

10. Helps writer UNDERSTAND the value of following instructions.

NEXT STEPS – GO TO: http://www.drg.nih.gov/Video/Video.asp - Video of

the review process for NIH http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/meritreview/

#reviewer – Why you should volunteer to be an NSF Peer Reviewer

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/frs.html - Office of Post Secondary Education, US Department of Education Registration for Reviewers

http://nationalservice.gov/egrants/peer_review.asp - Be a peer reviewer for the Corporation for National and Community Service (VISTA, AmeriCorp, SeniorCorp)