HACU Member Advisory--June 17, 2004

DHHS grant reviewers sought

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services currently is seeking grant reviewers. HACU urges the participation of faculty and staff at our Hispanic-Serving Institutions to better reflect the diversity of the higher education community in this important step in the federal funding cycle. Please forward this HACU Member Advisory to appropriate program directors, faculty and staff.

Below is a general description of grant reviewer responsibilities and compensation, as well as application information for two DHHS programs.

From the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS):

ACF administers more than $7 billion dollars in Federal program discretionary grants that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and communities.  For many ACF programs, the grant review process is an important step in the funding cycle as the review is designed to choose the best programs for funding out of a competitive group of applicants.  ACF is currently recruiting reviewers for its upcoming grant announcements and encouraging Hispanics/Latinos to apply to broaden the diversity of our grant reviewers.

A grant reviewer is a person who has expertise in the area(s) applicable to a particular grant program, can effectively analyze grant applications against criteria, can clearly express his or her evaluation in writing, and is interested in contributing to the advancement of knowledge.  Most reviews take place on-site at a Washington, DC area location.  Selected applicants receive taxable compensation for their services; travel, meals and lodging are typically provided, as well as training sessions for all levels of reviewers.   Reviewing grant applications will help you gain experience in preparing quality grant applications and provide you with an overview of the award process. You will have opportunities to network with professional peers and Federal officials, and the knowledge you attain can add to your own personal and professional development.

Grant Reviewer Applications Sought:

• For Head Start, Child Care, Child Welfare and Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs, specialized knowledge and experience in early childhood development, child care research, child welfare and youth development is desirable. 
  o   Please click on the following link for more details:  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/grantreview/.
  o   Reviewer Help Line at 1-(866) 796-1613 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST).
• Office of Community Services' (OCS) Programs include:  Community Food and Nutrition Program; Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals (JOLI); Urban and Rural Community Economic Development; Assets for Independence Demonstration Program (IDA); Residential Energy Assistance Challenge Option (REACH); and Compassion Capital Fund (CCF).  OCS works in partnership with States, communities, and other agencies to provide a range of human and economic development services and activities that address the causes and symptoms of poverty and to otherwise assist persons in need.
  o   OCS is continually seeking reviewers who have a strong interest in and/or some level of experience or expertise in community development, low-income housing, community health and nutrition, economic or small business development, fiscal management, energy assistance for low-income populations, or organizational development of faith-based and community organizations.  For information on OCS programs, go to:  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/.
  o   Interested OCS grant review applicants may send their resumes by e-mail, fax or regular mail to: OCS Grant Reviewers, 1815 N. Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22209, Attn:  HORNW. E-mail:  OCSReviewers@lcgnet.com. Toll-free Fax: 800-803-9289. If you need assistance, please telephone 1-866-873-8439.

 HACU Member Advisories are a service of the
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.