Become a Virtual Grant Reviewer

Since 2005, the City and its many partners have invested time and significant resources in helping shape a socially and culturally vibrant community by increasing access to actively participate in arts and cultural experiences. In addition to municipal and organizational leadership, Dubuque provides many opportunities for local residents to engage in shaping and growing the strong arts and cultural community that exists here today.   

The Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs offers recurring competitive grant programs, including the Operating Support for Arts and Culture Nonprofits and Support for Special Projects in Arts and Culture. Additionally, when available, unique one-time regranting opportunities are offered such as subgrants through the National Endowment for the Arts Local Arts Agency.

Available opportunities and service periods for grant reviewers are anticipated as follows:

• Arts Operating Support Program (April 28 - June 3, 2025)
• Special Projects (May 12 - June 6, 2025)

As a grant reviewer, you’ll provide guidance to the Arts and Culture Affairs Advisory Commission in helping to ensure that funds are directed to organizations and programs that are driving the cultivation of a variety of arts and culture opportunities in the community. 

Volunteer grant reviewers will participate in the following:

• An informational orientation
• Independent review and scoring of applications based on an established rubric
• Discussion to confirm grant scoring and comments

Reviewer insights provide important perspectives and evaluations regarding each application’s strengths, challenges, and community impact. No previous grant experience is necessary. Staff with the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs provides support on how to navigate the online grants system, instruction on grant evaluation and feedback process, and scoring tools.

The time commitment varies depending on the number of applications assigned for review per cycle. However, volunteers can expect an anticipated time investment of at least the following:

• 1-hour orientation
• 1-2 hours per application review 
• 1-hour discussion meeting

No previous grant reviewing or grant writing experience is necessary. Staff with the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs provide support in navigating the online grant management system, instruction on the grant evaluation and feedback process, and scoring tools.

For consideration, applicants do not need to reside in Dubuque but must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have professional experience or personal interest in:
  • The arts and culture sector
  • Nonprofit or business management
  • Economic development 
  • Community resiliency
  • Other related fields
• Be currently unaffiliated with any organization applying for grant funding offered through the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs
• Have an interest in supporting the arts and culture work in the community

Becoming a volunteer grant reviewer is a great way to:

• Bring your academic and lived experience perspectives to inform funding decisions in the arts and culture sector.
• Apply multiple areas of your expertise to drive a broader agenda for change, growth, and transformation in your community.
• Gain practical knowledge of the review and funding process as mechanisms for transformation.
• Build your network and meet new people and potential partners.
• Lend your unique perspective to the arts and culture programming in Dubuque.
• Learn more about the organizations and the impact they’re having in your community.