Peer panel proCESS

About the 2024 Art & Culture Grant
This year PCF will accept new applications as well as offer grants to returning organizations. We will continue to use a streamlined process that will minimize the amount of time and effort for applicants to qualify for funding. New applicants will go through a pilot panel process. There will be no site visits. PCF staff and panelists will review the applications. Grant amounts will be determined through the use of a modified funding formula that takes into consideration the operating budget of the organization.  

Applications for the 2024 grant cycle (1-yr general operating grant) are open only to organizations that have an Average Budget of $1.5M or less as shown on their current SMU|DataArts Philadelphia Cultural Fund (PCF) Funder Report.

The 2024 Peer Panel Pilot Program
‍The 2024 Peer Panel will play a key role in PCF’s 2024 grant cycle by reviewing and evaluating submissions from all new applicants to PCF. The Committee will receive training and facilitation support and will work independently and in teams throughout the process to complete their application review. The Committee will come together in a series of meetings to deliberate and make final funding recommendations for new applicants to PCF. Current/existing grantees will go through a separate review process for renewal of grant funding in 2024.

‍Eligibility to Participate
‍Panelists must reside or work in Philadelphia to participate. Both are not required. NOTE: Panelists DO NOT need any prior experience reviewing grant applications. We will provide all the training needed for panelists to feel comfortable and confident in their recommendations.

‍Time Commitment
‍Panel members should anticipate approximately 25 hours of work throughout the months of February and March 2024, which will be divided between meetings and independent work. Panelists will work independently and in teams to review assigned grant application. Panelists can expect to review up to approximately 10 grant applications.

Compensation
‍Panelists will be compensated with a stipend of $500 to honor their time, expertise, and contributions to PCF during this process. Payments will be made to panelists upon completion of their work on the panel.

‍Conflict of Interest Policy
‍Panel members may represent organizations that have applied for or currently receive funding from PCF. However, they must disclose any relationships and recuse themselves from review or discussion of any organizations where they have an identified conflict. This includes having been a financial beneficiary (i.e. current/former staff, paid speaker or consultant), serving on a Board of Directors, or other potential conflicts that will be reviewed during the onboarding process.  

‍Confidentiality Policy
‍Panelists will have access to confidential information and materials related to PCF throughout the review process, including information about applying organizations. Panelists may not share information or materials with individuals/entities outside of the panel. They are expected to keep all materials and information in strict confidence and will exercise a reasonable degree of care to prevent disclosure to others. Additionally, panelists may not disclose details of meeting proceedings, or any decisions made in meetings with others. Panelists will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement.


2024 Peer Panel Applications Now Closed