We are actively seeking qualified community members to serve in the Peer Review Group and invite you to consider this opportunity! If you are not affiliated with a group applying for a Thriving Communities grant but want to be involved, Philanthropy Northwest is looking for peer reviewers to evaluate applications. You do not need a background in environmental issues to participate as a peer reviewer. Please note if you are a staff member, board member, volunteer or a consultant with an organization or group applying for a grant, you would not be eligible to be a peer reviewer due to a conflict of interest. Peer reviewers will play a crucial role in evaluating grant applications to ensure that the most impactful and deserving projects receive funding.

Peer reviewers will also receive an honorarium. The time commitment is an important aspect of this opportunity.

Please review the anticipated time required to be a peer reviewer below. Anticipated time required to be a Peer Reviewer | Approx 25-27 hours, over approximately two months per round of review: • Approx. 2 hours: Grant orientation and anti-bias training (live, virtual) • Approx. 15-20* hours: Reviewing and scoring 15-20** grant applications (independent work) • Approx. 2 hours: Inputting results of independent grant application review (independent work) • Approx. 3 hours: Peer Review Group meeting (live, virtual) * These hours are approximate and will vary greatly between individuals  **The final number of proposals assigned to each reviewer will be based on the volume of proposals received.

We have several times over the next two years that you can be involved. You must select at least one Review Period in your application.

We’ll also ask if you’re interested in just one or multiple rounds in the future. Peer reviewers will receive an honorarium for each round. For more information on each type of grant, visit our website here. 

Scope of Work Selected peer reviewers will be responsible for:

1. Completing a Conflict of Interest Form: To maintain the integrity of the review process, all reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest. *

2. Participating in live Anti-Bias Training (virtual): Reviewers will undergo training to recognize and mitigate bias in the evaluation process. Attendance is mandatory and must be completed. Absence may result in removal from peer reviewer pool. Accommodation can be made for individuals not connected to broadband, so please be sure to note this detail in your application.  

3. Reading and Scoring Grant Applications: Reviewers will read assigned applications and score them based on predefined criteria. Reviewers will input their scores online. Accommodation can be made for individuals not connected to broadband, so please be sure to note this detail in your application.

4. Participating in a live group peer reviewer session (virtual): Peer reviewers will discuss their evaluations and reach a consensus on the recommended applicants for funding. Attendance is mandatory. Accommodation can be made for individuals not connected to broadband, so please be sure to note this detail in your application.

*Please note that it is crucial for peer review applicants to list all potential conflicts. Failing to do so could result in an organization being ineligible to apply for these funds in the future. Philanthropy Northwest recommends disclosing any organization for whom you are a paid staff member, a board member, a volunteer or a consultant. We also recommend you talk to the leadership in the organization(s) you list so they are aware of your peer review application.