Skip to content

Evaluator Resources

Evaluator Resources

Thank you for serving as a volunteer evaluator for United Way’s 2026 Multi-Year RFP. 

We are deeply grateful for the time, thoughtfulness and community perspective you bring to this process. Your role is essential to ensuring a fair, thoughtful and community-centered review of proposals from nonprofits across our region. As an evaluator, you help strengthen funding recommendations by offering independent, community-informed insights and constructive feedback that supports both strong decision-making and future applicant learning.  

This Evaluator Resources page is designed to support you throughout the review process. Here you’ll find everything you need to prepare for and complete your evaluations, including training information, access to the grant system, review materials and opportunities for optional support and connection with fellow evaluators and United Way staff. Whether you prefer to work independently or alongside others, these resources are here to help you feel confident, informed and supported every step of the way. 

What to Expect as an Evaluator 

Review approximately 10–15 full proposals using United Way’s online scoring system.

Provide scores and comments to support fair funding recommendations.

Participate in key touchpoints during the review period (outlined below).

Evaluator Resources & Key Dates

Please review the information below and mark your calendar for the required training session.

Required & Encouraged Meetings

Evaluator Training (Required) – Virtual 

Date: April 7, 2026, 2 to 3:30 p.m.  Watch recording here.

Download a copy of the slides here.

You should be able to view the Zoom meeting directly from the link, but here is the Meeting ID and Passcode just in case!

Meeting ID: 825 7960 2560 | Passcode: vy9$K8K?

This session covers evaluator roles and expectations, what we’re looking for in a strong application, how to use the rubric, and how to navigate the online scoring system. 

 

Final Review Meeting (Encouraged) – Virtual 

Date: May 19, 2026, 12 to 2 p.m. 

This meeting brings evaluators together to discuss proposals recommended for funding, share observations, and reflect on scoring and comments. 

Register here.

While not required, participation is strongly encouraged and valued. 

Access the Grant System (GLM)

Access the system

How-to resources: 

  • PDF Guide: Step-by-step instructions for proposal review and scoring. 

If you have technical questions about GLM, please contact Jacob Grande. 

Key Documents

  • Scoring Rubric 
    • Reminder: Scores of 3 represent solid, competitive, and expected responses.  
    • Scores of 4 and 5 should be used only when a proposal demonstrates above-average clarity or exceptional strength. 

These documents mirror what you will see in GLM and can be helpful for offline reference as you review applications. 

Optional Support & Connection Opportunities

Evaluator Office Hours (Optional | Virtual) 

Optional drop-in sessions where United Way staff are available to answer questions, talk through the rubric or simply keep you company while you review proposals. 

Evaluator Cafés (Optional | In Person) 

We’ll host three optional evaluator cafés—shared community spaces to review, score and ask questions together. Please register here – RFP Evaluator Cafe Sign-Up – Fill out form

  • Wednesday, April 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Butler Office: 124 Hollywood Dr., Butler, PA, 16001. 
  • Friday, April 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Pittsburgh Office: 1250 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
  • Wednesday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  – Greensburg Office: 239 Tollgate Hill Road, Greensburg, PA 15601.
  • Tuesday, April 28, 3 to 7 p.m.  – Pittsburgh Office: 1250 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Questions or need support?

United Way staff are available throughout the review period and are always happy to help.

No question is too small — please reach out if something feels unclear or if you’d like to talk through your review. 

Sara Noel, Senior Director of Strategic Impact. Jacob Grande, Manager of Community Impact Data and Research.