The goal of the Knox County Citizen Review Panels is to effectively and responsibly distribute Community Grant funds to support critical programs in the community that are efficient, well managed, accountable, and a wise investment of tax payer dollars. Individuals will review grants and make program funding recommendations using established criteria in one of five categories: Health, Seniors and Veterans, Social Services, Tourism and Culture, and Youth Services.
"For many years Knox County has awarded grants to area non-profit organizations to enhance the level of community services to our citizens. I believe the citizen review process will make our community grants program even better and will instill confidence in the way grants are awarded," explained Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale. "The recommendations made by the citizen panels will be submitted directly to Commission for approval."
Panelists must be Knox County residents who are age 18 or older. Knox County seeks panelists with working knowledge of or professional qualifications in arts, culture, tourism, health, senior and veteran services, youth programs, social services, non-profit management, and/or public/private partnerships.
Final approval of grant recipients and the value of the grants to be awarded is made by the Knox County Commission.
"This is a great way to involve citizens in their government," Mayor Ragsdale said. The process not only provides a means for them to oversee distribution of grant funds, but to see first hand how these worthy organizations provide certain services that the county would not have a means to offer."
Citizen review panel application forms are available online and are due no later than December 8th. A copy can also be obtained by calling 865-215-3980.
Volunteers’ Responsibilities:
- Become familiar with Knox County’s Citizen Review Process and Community Grants Program and make recommendations in accordance with established guidelines, criteria, and policies.
- Attend all scheduled meetings including: orientation/training, panel meetings, panel interviews, and other meetings/site visits for your assigned panel.
- Participate in Citizen Review Panel assignments including:
- Reviewing, evaluating, and scoring grant applications assigned to your panel.
- Seeking the information necessary for determining appropriate program funding recommendations.
- Maintaining appropriate communication with the Knox County Community Development Staff to ensure a fair and transparent process.
- Abide by the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Guidelines including:
- Serving as an objective evaluator with the purpose of being an effective steward of taxpayer dollars.
- Reviewing assigned programs/applications objectively based on established criteria, not as a program advocate.
- Preserving a positive working environment with applicant agency staff, panelist members, and Knox County staff allowing for open dialogue.
- Completing all conflict of interest forms. Applicant agency staff or their immediate family members will not be allowed to serve as panelists. Other applicant representatives, such as board members, will not be allowed to serve on a panel reviewing the application(s) of the agency they represent.
- Seek appropriate staff when questions occur regarding the Citizens Review Process.
- Assist in the continuous improvement of the Citizens Review Process through individual and group development and participation in assessment and evaluation activities.
Time Requirements:
Prior year panelists reported spending an average of less than 40 total hours including:
- No more than two orientation sessions in January (1-2 hours each)
- Review/evaluate/score applications (15-25 hours)
- Attend no more than 3 scheduled panel discussion/scoring meetings in February (1-2 hours each)
- Attend no more than 2 scheduled agency interview sessions in February/March (2-3 hours each)
