Maitland City Council is seeking community minded individuals to join our Community Grants Assessment Panel. This is a unique opportunity for those living or working in the Maitland area with experience in the community sector to contribute directly to the assessment of grant applications and the allocation of funds under Council’s Community Grants Program.

Panel members will add value to the grant application assessment process by providing recommendations to Council, regarding the distribution and allocation of funding to both our Bi Annual and Year Round Grants Programs.

There are two community representative positions available on the panel, alongside two Councillor delegates, a mayoral representative and one non voting Council officer. Your involvement will be aligned with our Community Grants Program Policy and help shape a thriving and inclusive Maitland community.

We encourage motivated individuals living or working in Maitland with experience, knowledge, skills and/or lived experience relevant to community grants or community development to submit an Expression of Interest below. Applications will close on Thursday 21 November 2024.

Maitland City Council’s Community Grants Program aims to create a community that is resilient, inclusive and thriving, and shows our commitment to social justice, equality and civic engagement. Our Community Grants Program works toward achieving this by supporting programs and activities that create opportunities for community participation and social connection, celebrate and support the diverse cultures of Maitland, and increase accessibility and inclusion of all members of the community.

• Assessment Panel applicants must commit to a four (4) year term of appointment. During this period, Panel Members agree to participating in the assessment process for our Community Grants Program when called upon.

• The frequency of assessment will align with grant rounds, with a minimum of seven (7) rounds of assessment across two grant programs, to be completed by Panel Members each financial year.

• Each round will involve pre-reading and individual assessments, with participation in group panel meetings as needed.

• Panel meetings may occur throughout the year on an as needed basis, including in instances where a consensus is not achieved through individual scoring.

• Assessment Panel applicants must possess sound technological skills and have access to a computer and internet.

• Panels members will be given access to SmartyGrants – Council's online grant application system. Assessors will be required to log in and read the grant applications online and complete an online assessment/recommendation form.