Community Advisors
Your Expertise Can Help Build A Stronger, More Equitable Greater Miami

What Is a Community Advisor?

Community Advisors are Miami-Dade County community members who help review and recommend local nonprofits for funding opportunities through The Miami Foundation. 

Rather than making funding decisions in isolation, we partner with community members who understand Miami’s neighborhoods, challenges, and opportunities firsthand. Community Advisors play an essential role in helping us direct resources where they can make the greatest impact. 

No grantmaking experience is required. We provide training and support every step of the way.

Why Your Voice Matters 

We know some of the most valuable expertise comes from lived experience. 

The best decisions are made when people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences come together. Whether you’re a neighborhood advocate, nonprofit volunteer, parent, educator, business owner, retiree, or community leader, your unique perspective helps ensure resources are invested where they are needed most. 

We believe community members should have a meaningful role in shaping the future of our community, and Community Advisors help make that possible.

What You’ll Do 

As a Community Advisor, you’ll have the opportunity to: 

  • Review and evaluate grant proposals submitted by local nonprofits 
  • Participate in training and onboarding sessions to learn our grantmaking process 
  • Engage in thoughtful conversations with Foundation staff and fellow Community Advisors 
  • Share your perspectives and lived experiences to help inform funding decisions 
  • Help shape final recommendations that support organizations making a difference across Miami-Dade County 

Time Commitment 

The time commitment varies depending on the grant program you are selected to support. Most opportunities range from approximately 35 to 80 hours throughout the grant cycle. 

This includes time for onboarding, program feedback, proposal review, discussion sessions, and final recommendation meetings. We strive to offer flexibility and schedule meetings in ways that support Advisors’ availability whenever possible.

Why Become a Community Advisor? 

 

Make Meaningful Impact 

Your voice matters. The insights and experiences you bring directly influence how funding is invested across our community. 

Learn How Philanthropy Works 

Gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of local philanthropy, grantmaking, and community investment. 

Be Recognized for Your Leadership 

Community Advisors are valued partners in our grantmaking process and may be recognized through Foundation materials and communications. 

Be Compensated for Your Time and Contributions 

We value the expertise, perspective, and commitment Community Advisors bring to the process. Advisors receive a modest honorarium in recognition of their contributions. 

Build Meaningful Connections 

Meet and learn alongside fellow community members who share a passion for creating positive change across Miami-Dade County.

Review Categories 

We welcome Community Advisors with interests and experiences across a wide range of focus areas: 

  • Animales
  • Arts and Culture
  • Atención comunitaria
  • Desarrollo económico y comunitario
  • Educación y juventud
  • Medio ambiente
  • Basado en la fe
  • General Community Advisor
  • Salud y bienestar
  • Derechos humanos, defensa y compromiso cívico
  • Impact Investing & Venture Capital
  • Inclusion of People with Diverse Abilities
  • Becas

Who Can Apply? 

We are looking for people who care deeply about Miami and want to help strengthen our community. 

You do not need a specific degree, professional background, or grantmaking experience to apply. We value lived experience, diverse perspectives, and a commitment to serving others. 

Ideal Community Advisors: 

  • Live in Miami-Dade County or have deep knowledge of Miami communities
  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Are comfortable reviewing materials submitted in English
  • Have a passion for community impact and civic engagement
  • Are committed to participating fully and providing thoughtful feedback
  • Can approach the review process with fairness, objectivity, and confidentiality
  • Can disclose any potential conflicts of interest with organizations they may be connected to
  • Are available to participate during the selected grant cycle

What matters most is a commitment to helping Miami thrive. 

Apply to be a Community Advisor! 

If you’ve ever wanted to give back, learn more about the nonprofit organizations strengthening our community, or help shape how resources are invested across Miami-Dade, we invite you to apply. 

We believe the strongest decisions are made when diverse voices are at the table. Your perspective matters. Your experiences matter. Your voice matters. 

Together, we can support the people and organizations working every day to make Miami stronger, more equitable, and more connected.

Apply to be a Community Advisor here!

Questions?

Please contact Julissa Rivera, Senior Community Engagement Manager, at jrivera@miamifoundation.org with any questions.