Grant Writing & Compliance Flashcards
7 cards from real CNE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Grant Writing & Compliance flashcards as text
A funder discovers that a grantee misrepresented data in their proposal. Under federal grant law, this may constitute:
Answer: Grant fraud, potentially subject to civil and criminal penalties under the False Claims Act
Misrepresentation in federal grant applications can trigger liability under the False Claims Act, including treble damages and exclusion from future awards.
What is a 'restricted grant' as opposed to an 'unrestricted grant'?
Answer: A restricted grant specifies how funds must be used; unrestricted funds can be used for any organizational purpose
Restricted grants are designated for specific programs or purposes, while unrestricted funds give nonprofits flexibility to allocate resources where most needed.
A nonprofit is applying for a capacity-building grant. Which of the following is the BEST use of these funds?
Answer: Upgrading financial management software and staff training
Capacity-building grants are intended to strengthen organizational infrastructure—systems, staff skills, and processes—not direct service delivery.
Which federal agency oversees the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration, required for federal grant applicants?
Answer: General Services Administration (GSA)
SAM.gov is managed by the General Services Administration and is mandatory for entities seeking federal grants or contracts.
A program officer calls to discuss your LOI. The BEST response strategy is to:
Answer: Listen carefully, answer questions honestly, and ask clarifying questions about the funder's priorities
A call from a program officer is a valuable opportunity to learn about funder priorities and demonstrate your organization's credibility and alignment.
Which of the following best describes 'allowable costs' under federal grants?
Answer: Costs that are necessary, reasonable, and consistently applied under applicable federal cost principles
Federal cost principles (2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E) require that costs be necessary, reasonable, allocable, and consistently treated to be allowable.
What is a 'continuation grant' in the context of federal funding?
Answer: A new grant to a previously funded grantee to continue an ongoing project for an additional budget period
Continuation grants fund subsequent budget periods of a multi-year project, typically requiring a progress report and budget justification rather than a new full proposal.