ANA reviews grant applications using a merit review process. This page explains what that is and how to register for the panel.
Merit Review: Simple and Fair Grant Evaluation
Merit review ensures a fair and impartial evaluation of grant applications. This process assesses each application's technical quality against the funding opportunity's criteria.
- Core Principles: objective consideration of an application's merits.
- A minimum of three unbiased peer reviewers conduct an advisory assessment.
- The goal is to select applications that are well designed and closely match program needs.
This approach reassures the public about the integrity and fairness of selection.
Be a Panelist for an ANA Merit Review Session
Help decide on grants for tribes and Native organizations. Your expertise can make a big difference.
- Roles: Analyze and score grant applications or facilitate panelist meetings and summarize panel report.
- Looking for: Experienced professionals with knowledge of Native communities.
Join us in supporting the future of Native communities.
For more information regarding the roles and responsibilities of panel reviewers and chairpersons, please download the following job descriptions.
Being an ANA panelist is rewarding but demands hard work. You'll help make key decisions on funding for grant applications. Here's what to expect and how to prepare:
- Use the web-based Application Review Module (ARM) for evaluating applications.
- You may review 5 to 7 grants per session.
- Independent and teamwork: Read, analyze, and score applications independently. Participate in team discussions.
- Teams include three reviewers and one chairperson.
- Time commitment: Reviewing takes considerable time. Successful reviewers often adjust their schedules.
- Teams will work remotely and may span multiple time zones.
What qualifications does ANA look for in a reviewer or chairperson?
- Experience in community-based projects
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Analytical skills
- Experience working with Native communities including Tribes or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Independent thinker that can also work collaboratively with others
Merit Review Process
- Virtual Meetings: Ensure reliable Internet and a contact phone number.
- Requirements for Participation: Be prepared for long conference calls and be flexible with your schedule during sessions.
- Use of ARM: Review grant applications using the Application Review Module (ARM), a web-based system that organizes and evaluates the grant application process.
- Panel Assignments: You will be assigned a panel and responsible for scoring and reviewing applications based on evaluation criteria.
Compensation for Panel Chairpersons and Reviewers
- Compensated for reviewing applications that result in a completed Panel Summary Report (PSR)
- Compensation is provided after the Merit Review session has ended. Additional stipend for printing and miscellaneous expenses
When are the NOFOs available?
ANA's Fiscal Year 2024 NOFOs are on Grants.gov . For more information see ANA's funding page.
Applications are due on May 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time.
Merit Review follows the NOFO closing.
Sign Up
Registration is now open . Update your profile and upload your resume. We'll ask about your availability for panel sessions.
Complete a Panelist Reviewer Form to:
- Be added to ANA’s Panelist database for potential selection for a Merit Review session
- Receive training information
- Confirm interest and availability for the dates of Merit review sessions
- May 2024: Merit Review for Native Languages programs.
- June 2024: Merit Review for SEDS, ERE, & SEDS-AK programs.
- Selections based on training, qualifications, and location/time zone.
Important: Number of reviewers and chairpersons needed depends on application volume.
What if I Have Questions or Need Help with the Application Process?
Please send an email to ANASupport@pmcsllc.com.