CGA Grant Writing & Proposal Development 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which section of a grant proposal typically defines the specific, measurable outcomes the project aims to achieve?
- Executive Summary
- Goals and Objectives (Correct answer)
- Organizational Capacity
- Sustainability Plan
Correct answer: Goals and Objectives
Goals and Objectives articulate what the project will accomplish with measurable, time-bound targets.
Question 2: A funder's Request for Proposals (RFP) specifies a 5-page limit. A grant writer submits 7 pages. What is the most likely outcome?
- The proposal is scored at a lower tier
- The extra pages are discarded by reviewers
- The proposal is disqualified or returned without review (Correct answer)
- The funder contacts the applicant for a revised version
Correct answer: The proposal is disqualified or returned without review
Funders typically disqualify proposals that exceed stated page or word limits to ensure fairness among applicants.
Question 3: What does the term 'logic model' represent in the context of grant proposal development?
- A budget spreadsheet linking costs to activities
- A visual framework connecting inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes (Correct answer)
- A narrative explaining the applicant's qualifications
- A timeline showing milestone completion dates
Correct answer: A visual framework connecting inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes
A logic model is a visual tool that depicts the relationship between resources, program activities, and intended outcomes.
Question 4: When writing the problem statement, a grant writer should primarily focus on:
- The organization's past grant awards
- Data-driven evidence that the need exists in the target community (Correct answer)
- The project director's credentials and experience
- The specific activities the project will implement
Correct answer: Data-driven evidence that the need exists in the target community
A compelling problem statement uses current data and statistics to demonstrate the magnitude and urgency of the need.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes a 'letter of inquiry' (LOI) in the grant-seeking process?
- A legal document certifying organizational eligibility
- A brief preliminary submission to gauge funder interest before a full proposal (Correct answer)
- A formal contract between the funder and grantee
- A financial audit submitted with the application
Correct answer: A brief preliminary submission to gauge funder interest before a full proposal
An LOI is a short document sent to a funder to determine whether the organization's project aligns with the funder's priorities before investing time in a full proposal.
Question 6: SMART objectives in grant writing must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and:
- Repeatable
- Time-bound (Correct answer)
- Transferable
- Reviewed
Correct answer: Time-bound
The 'T' in SMART stands for Time-bound, meaning each objective must have a defined deadline or timeframe.
Question 7: A grant writer is developing a proposal for a federally-funded program. Which resource should be consulted first for eligibility requirements and allowable costs?
- The organization's strategic plan
- The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (Correct answer)
- The prior year's annual report
- The program director's resume
Correct answer: The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
The NOFO (formerly called NOFA or RFP in federal context) is the official document that outlines all eligibility, requirements, and allowable costs for a federal grant.
CGA Grant Writing & Proposal Development 2
Which section of a grant proposal typically defines the specific, measurable outcomes the project aims to achieve?