The application period for reviewers closed on June 7, 2023.
Purpose
The MDA is looking for community members interested in serving as grant reviewers during July 2023. Reviewers will evaluate community proposals for food procurement and distribution through the Minnesota Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program. Reviewer scores and diversity of perspectives will help determine which applications will be awarded for this competitive funding opportunity.
Responsibilities
The MDA seeks individuals who can dedicate 14 - 16 hours over the course of four weeks. Reviewers will remotely:
- Review orientation/training materials provided to them
- Declare any conflicts of interest that may exist if they have a relationship with any individual or entity involved in a project proposal
- Read and score approximately 20 proposals between July 1 – July 23 (approximately 10 hours) in advance of a review committee meeting. Proposals will include narrative, workplan, and budget documents, along with letters of support.
- Participate in a four-hour review committee meeting on July 27, 2023
- Provide feedback via a follow-up survey to grant administrators on the application and review process, to support continual improvement for applicants and reviewers in future rounds of funding
The MDA will provide a $575 stipend to eligible community reviewers who complete the review process in the time specified. Reviewers must sign a contract and register as a vendor in SWIFT, the State of Minnesota’s online accounting system, to receive their stipend.
Qualifications
The MDA is committed to grantmaking practices that increase diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility to funding opportunities, especially for members of historically underserved populations. For this grant, the MDA seeks individuals who are:
- Familiar with local food systems, hunger relief work, and/or community economic development
- Emerging farmers and/or individuals working with emerging farmers or underserved communities
- A Minnesota resident
- Have access to a computer with internet connection and intermediate computer skills
Individuals may not apply to be a MN LFPA reviewer if they are a lead applicant or named as a partner on an MN LFPA application.
When selecting reviewers, the MDA will consider geographic representation from throughout the state, incorporating a range of perspectives and areas of expertise, and a balance of those with previous experience as a grant reviewer with those who are new to the process.
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact the MN LFPA Program at 651-201-6290 or LFPAgrant.MDA@state.mn.us
