The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is recruiting community members to serve as grant reviewers for adult and youth workforce development training grants during the summer and fall of 2021.
In a news release, the department stated it is committed to including more voices and perspectives in its grantmaking process. DEED is seeking people with an interest in workforce development, and experience in grantmaking, education, training, workforce and/or a related area. DEED will provide a small stipend to eligible community reviewers who meet eligibility requirements, complete training and review on time, and complete the required process to receive payments.
There is a short application process and a requirement to attend training and to disclose any conflicts of interest. DEED is looking for individuals who can contribute 20-40 hours to read grant proposals. Grant reviewers will read approximately 10-12 proposals in a 30-day time period between August and October 2021. Proposals are generally 12-15 pages in length, with additional supporting documents and budgets. Training will be required and provided.
The department’s employment and training programs distribute state funds through competitive grant processes that fund youth and adult workforce development training programs. Each year DEED issues requests for proposals and reviews those proposals from organizations across Minnesota before making funding decisions.
“This summer we are excited to welcome a wide variety of community reviewers to volunteer and participate in the review process. We believe a more inclusive process can help us make funding decisions that will support our commitment to reducing disparities in employment in Minnesota,” DEED officials stated in the release. “We want community reviewers who are aware of the current challenges that job seekers face. Having this experience brings an important voice to the table in our decision-making. DEED has recruited community reviewers for the department’s employment and training grants before, but this year outreach to and engagement of community reviewers will be more comprehensive.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The department is beginning recruitment now so community reviewers are ready to go when requests for proposals for employment and training grants open later this summer. The grants team is reviewing new legislation and preparing its timeline. All requests for proposals will be published on the grants and contracts page of DEED’s website.
The department is hosting an optional information session for community reviewers for employment and training programs 6 p.m. July 22 and 3 p.m. Aug. 12. The sessions will be the same and those interested only have to attend one. They will be recorded and posted on DEED’s YouTube page for those who cannot attend.
Join via computer or mobile app at https://bit.ly/3z1eEMa or by calling 763-317-4323.
The phone conference ID is 844 368 192#.
Any questions, email officeofeconomicopportunity@state.mn.us .
