Volunteer Opportunity: Panelists for COCA FY25 Grant Cycle

The Council on Culture & Arts (COCA) is seeking dedicated volunteers to participate in our grant review process.  Please click here to submit an application.

Like the Division of Arts and Culture (state arts agency) and the National Endowment for the Arts, COCA uses a citizen panel review process to evaluate applications for funding.  Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including:

• Nonprofit Experts
• Tourism Professionals
• Community Leaders
• Artists
• Educators
• Experts in Various Cultural Disciplines

Panelist Responsibilities

1. Attend a Panelist Training Webinar:
   • Attend a comprehensive training session to understand the evaluation process, criteria, and expectations.
   • Learn about COCA’s mission and the impact of arts funding on our community.
2. Application Review:
   • Read and evaluate approximately 40 grant applications (exact number to be determined) over a 4-week period. Evaluations will be completed in COCA's online platform, Submittable.
   • Use a rubric provided by COCA to assess each application.
   • Offer detailed feedback to applicants, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Panel Presentation:
   • Participate in a virtual panel discussion (held over Zoom) to announce your scores.
   • Discuss applications with fellow panelists "in the Sunshine" and ask questions of applicants.
   • Collaborate to finalize funding recommendations.

Application Process

FY25 applications will be scored on two different panels. Interested parties may select one or both panels. When selecting a panel, please consider both your schedule and your expertise.

1. Cultural Grant and Cultural Tourism Marketing Grant
   Emphasis: Programs enhancing tourism in Tallahassee / Leon County
   Panelist training: July 29, 2024
   Panelist review period: July 29 – August 23, 2024
   Panel Review: August 28, 2024
2. Local Community Grant
   Emphasis: Programs serving residents of Tallahassee / Leon County
   Panelist training: January 3, 2025
   Panelist review period: January 3 – January 31, 2025
   Panel Review: February 5, 2025

For more information about COCA grant programs and the panel review process, please contact Summer Callahan at summer@tallahasseearts.org.