About Being a Panelist
Volunteer panelists are vital to the integrity of the grant review process. They bring their understanding of the arts, arts education, nonprofit management, creative entrepreneurship, and the community to evaluate each application. There are several opportunities to volunteer as a grant panelist throughout the year.
Please note: Volunteer Panelists dedicate, on average, 10 to 15 hours of volunteer time throughout this process. General Operating Support panelists may be responsible for up to 20 hours of volunteer time due to longer applications and more competitive funding decisions.
Panelist Responsibilities:
- Declare any real or perceived conflicts of interest
- Review grant applications and supplemental materials before the panel meeting (Includes giving each application an initial score and constructive comments)
- Discuss each grant application at the panel
- Update scores if appropriate following panel meeting discussions
- Recommend as a panel funding levels (excluding operating support) to United Arts’ Executive Committee and Board of Directors for final approval
- Panelists must have reliable access to the internet through a laptop or desktop computer, as training and evaluation are completed virtually.
General Operating Support Grant Program
The General Operating Support (GOS) grant program is a merit-based funding source that provides unrestricted funds to cover overhead costs. This program helps cultural nonprofits keep the lights on so they can continue impacting the community. Operating Support Grants are open to organizations based in Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties that have presented at least three years of programming.
Please Note: General Operating Support Panels require, on average, a larger time commitment per application and per panelist meeting than other grant programs.
Time Commitment:
- Panelist orientation (including software familiarity) – 1-2 hours
- Individual assessment of applications – 5 to 6 weeks of advanced access
- Evaluation of approx. 15-20 applications for competitiveness and artistic merit
- Providing written feedback to support applicant growth and enhance future competitiveness
- Panel meeting – 2 ½ - 3 hours
Community Project Grants
Community Project Grants provide funding for events, productions, projects, festivals, exhibitions and showcases that increase access to and participation in arts, history, and science programming, amplify diverse cultures and voices, and act as a catalyst for change through arts and culture-based community development. Nonprofit organizations (including those that are not arts and culture-based) can apply for this grant.
Time Commitment:
- Panelist orientation (including software familiarity) – 1-2 hours
- Individual assessment of applications – 5 to 6 weeks of advanced access
- Evaluation of approx. 15-20 applications for competitiveness and artistic merit
- Providing written feedback to support applicant growth and enhance future competitiveness
- Panel meeting – 1 ½ to 2 hours
Individual Artist Grants
Individual Artist Grants provide funding for artist-driven projects that have a public benefit and enrich the community of Central Florida by advancing artistic excellence and increasing access to innovative and culturally relevant arts experiences. These grants support activities that further artists' careers to help them grow and thrive. Grant funds support specific activities and work, such as presentations, exhibitions, performances, training, research, or artwork creation with tangible outcomes.
Time Commitment:
- Panelist orientation (including software familiarity) – 1-2 hours
- Individual assessment of applications – 5 to 6 weeks of advanced access
- Evaluation of approx. 15-20 applications for competitiveness and artistic merit
- Providing written feedback to support applicant growth and enhance future competitiveness
- Panel meeting – 1 ½ to 2 hours
