Become a Grant Reader

The Community Foundation of San Carlos invites local people to become grant readers. We use our resources to support local nonprofits that meet the needs of our children, seniors, and youth. Through these nonprofits we have been able to strengthen our community, by supporting programs addressing basic needs as well as enrichment programs.

Why Volunteer With Us?

Gain insight into our community: Understand the crucial role nonprofits play in building a resilient San Carlos. Many of our volunteers go on to serve on our committees or the CFSC Board.

Enhance Your Expertise: If you're a nonprofit or foundation professional, this is an opportunity to refine your own grant-writing skills by seeing what makes a successful proposal from the reviewer's perspective.

Make a Difference: Your evaluations directly shape which programs receive CFSC grant funding, directly benefiting individuals in San Carlos by residence, employment, education, or recreation.

Grant Reader Role & Commitment

As a Grant Reader, you will:

  • Evaluate 5-10 grant applications from local nonprofits, scoring them against clear criteria.

  • Review financial records to identify any potential concerns.

  • Participate in a mandatory 1.5-2 hour evening session (between September and October).

  • Complete application reviews in the Fall.

All communications for grant reading will be conducted via web, email, and phone, including one mandatory Zoom session for instructions and Q&A.

We welcome a diverse range of volunteers! We seek individuals who meet two or more of the following:

  • Deep knowledge of the San Carlos community;

  • Familiarity with nonprofits or foundations as an executive director, employee, or active volunteer

  • Lived experience that offers a unique perspective (e.g., recent immigrant, first-generation college student, formerly homeless).

  • Individuals who add diversity (of any type) to our reader group.

San Carlos residency is NOT required. Reviewers are selected based on qualifications, experience, and the number of applications received.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Even if your availability is tight, or you're unsure if you can meet all expectations, we encourage you to apply or email grants@sancarloscf.org. We're happy to discuss flexibility and accommodations within our timeframe.