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Become a Grant Reviewer

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) invites community members, subject matter experts, and advocates to join our competitive grantmaking process as reviewers. By participating, you’ll help ensure fairness, transparency, and diversity in how grants are awarded. This opportunity also allows you to expand your skills and provide valuable feedback to improve OCM’s future grant processes. 

Why become a reviewer? 

  • Diverse perspectives: Contribute your unique expertise and help us create and implement a fair and unbiased grantmaking process. 
  • Professional development: Grow your knowledge and experience in grantmaking. Engaging in the grant review process is a great way to see how other organizations respond to solicitations and learn how to write successful grants. 
  • Community impact: Play a key role in shaping the funding decisions that support local initiatives that lead to economic growth and healing communities. 

Details about how it works

Reviewers will: 

  • Engage in a short online orientation. 
  • Disclose any conflicts of interest. 
  • Prepare by reviewing the request for proposals and other relevant documents. 
  • Score proposals, including narratives, work plans, and budgets. 
  • Participate in a video remote committee review meeting. 
  • Complete a follow-up survey to help OCM improve future processes. 

Eligibility: We seek reviewers with relevant lived experience and expertise in areas like agriculture, public health, or community development. No prior grant review experience is required. State of Minnesota employees are welcome to become reviewers, but they are not eligible for stipends. 

Commitment: All tasks can be completed remotely. Reviewers will evaluate eight to 10 applications and participate in a two-hour discussion with the review committee (via Teams or Zoom). 

Stipends: Community reviewers may be eligible to receive a predetermined stipend. Stipend amounts will vary based on the available budget, the number of applications received, and the degree of expertise required of the review panel members. To be paid, reviewers must be registered in the State of Minnesota’s online accounting system (SWIFT) and have signed a contract with the state. 

Interested? 

Complete the online interest form. We’ll contact you by email when it’s time to assemble the review panel. The next review cycle will begin in spring 2025. 

Questions? 

We value your time and expertise, and we’re committed to ensuring a rewarding, transparent, and meaningful review process. If you have any questions about becoming a reviewer, please contact us at cannabisequity@state.mn.us. We look to hearing from you.

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