G OOD 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

W HAT I S A G RANT R EVIEWER ? A grant reviewer is one who is selected to objectively evaluate the quality of a competitive grant application.

W HAT D O G RANT R EVIEWERS D O ? 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.

H OW I S I T D ONE ? 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)

W HY 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.

W HAT 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

W HAT DOES A GRANT REVIEWER HAVE TO DO ? (C ONTINUED ) 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

W HAT A RE THE T YPICAL P ROPOSAL C OMPONENTS ? 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)

T EN R EASONS FOR BECOMING A G RANT R EVIEWER (T HE O THER S IDE OF THE T ABLE ) 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.

N EXT S TEPS – G O TO : - Video of the review process for NIH – Why you should volunteer to be an NSF Peer Reviewer - Office of Post Secondary Education, US Department of Education Registration for Reviewers - Be a peer reviewer for the Corporation for National and Community Service (VISTA, AmeriCorp, SeniorCorp)