The Power of External Review Committees in Community-Centered Grantmaking

Centering communities in grantmaking isn’t just an ideal in today’s philanthropic world—it’s essential. Innovative funders recognize that true impact comes not from simply working in communities, but by partnering with them as active collaborators in shaping lasting change.  Community members bring invaluable lived experience to the table; their insights reveal challenges, opportunities, and cultural subtleties that can be easily missed by those looking in from the outside. One way funders can respond more precisely to local needs is by establishing an external review committee of community members. These committees evaluate applications, discuss proposed solutions, and ensure that consideration of the realities on the ground is incorporated into funding decisions.  

Committee members understand where resources are most urgently needed and can identify projects likely to create lasting impact. The integration of local perspectives leads to more culturally relevant, strategic, and resilient grantmaking, which ultimately increases the chances of achieving sustainable outcomes. Including those directly impacted in the grant process moves philanthropy away from a traditional top-down model, creating a transparent and inclusive decision-making environment where community members truly have a voice. 

Recently, we partnered with a healthcare funder on an ambitious initiative to tackle health disparities. Together, we assembled and trained seven review committees made up of 24 community members who evaluated nearly 300 funding proposals, ultimately helping direct more than $18 million to projects with the greatest potential for impact. Through this process, we gained valuable insights into what it takes to make external review committees effective, inclusive, and impactful.

We’re sharing our top tips for creating committees that truly bring community voices to the heart of grantmaking. 

→ Compensation and Recognition 

The time and expertise that community members bring to external review committees are invaluable. Offering fair compensation is one way to show that their input is valued, while also making participation accessible to a wider array of individuals. When community members are recognized for their expertise, they’re empowered to fully contribute – 89% of the committee participants in our review process said they felt listened to and respected.  

→ Diverse Representation

Bringing together individuals of different ages, backgrounds, races, socioeconomic levels, and areas of expertise makes for a more balanced and inclusive review process. Diversity of thought is invaluable—it leads to richer discussions, more nuanced insights, and better overall outcomes. For example, selecting committee members who live in the healthcare funder’s focus geographies provided valuable real-time information about local need, partnerships, and programming impact that was not captured in the proposals. The varied perspectives from a diverse external review committee can greatly enhance the evaluation of grant proposals and maximize the committee’s effectiveness. 

→ Acknowledgement and Transparency

Setting clear guidelines is essential for a well-functioning committee. Ensure that each member understands their role, the scope of their influence, and their responsibilities. Outline expectations for time commitments, confidentiality, and deliverables. If the decision-making process is shared between the funder and the committee, consider involving an impartial facilitator to maintain a balanced space where all voices are heard. Additionally, establishing a process for managing conflicts of interest—should any committee member have a direct connection to an organization under review—helps prevent misunderstandings that could disrupt the process. 

→ Training and Capacity Building

Not everyone has prior experience evaluating grant proposals, so investing in training is vital. Offering workshops or resources on proposal assessment, project budgets, and managing bias ensures committee members feel confident in their roles. Provide them with a deep understanding of your organization’s mission and funding priorities and connect with them early in the review process to answer any questions. This investment not only enhances their contributions but empowers them to take on leadership roles in future community efforts. 

→ Ongoing Engagement and Feedback  

Creating an external review committee should be part of an ongoing engagement process rather than a one-time event. Our review committee members were eager to further contribute to the grantmaking process, suggesting in the post-committee survey that the evaluation criteria could be further expanded to better capture past performance, innovative approaches, and sustainability. Engaging community members throughout the grantmaking journey—whether through brainstorming on funding focus areas, contributing to RFP development, or refining evaluation criteria—builds trust and strengthens relationships. Regular feedback from committee members is key to continuous improvement, showing that their voices matter beyond individual funding cycles.  

As funders aim to support initiatives that genuinely resonate and build trust within communities, incorporating local voices and expertise becomes critical. External review committees bring the invaluable voices of the community directly into the grantmaking process. By integrating local expertise, funders can make more informed and impactful decisions while building trust and transparency. When done thoughtfully, these committees serve as a powerful mechanism for making philanthropy more equitable and effective—ensuring that the communities being served have a say in shaping their futures. Read more about the principles that drive our community engagement work here.