CPRE Grant Writing and Alternative Funding 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), federal grant-related financial records must generally be retained for:
- 1 year
- 3 years from the date of submission of the final financial report (Correct answer)
- 10 years
- Indefinitely
Correct answer: 3 years from the date of submission of the final financial report
Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.334) requires retention of federal grant records for 3 years from submission of the final financial report, with exceptions for ongoing litigation or audits.
Question 2: A park agency receives a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). This HUD program requires that funded activities primarily benefit:
- Federal government employees
- Low- and moderate-income persons (Correct answer)
- Facilities serving populations over 100,000 residents
- Only park infrastructure, not programming
Correct answer: Low- and moderate-income persons
CDBG's national objectives require that at least 70% of funds benefit low- and moderate-income individuals, making eligibility documentation of served populations critical.
Question 3: Which type of grant funder typically has the most flexible use of funds and the fewest reporting requirements?
- Federal formula grants
- Private and family foundations (Correct answer)
- State categorical grants
- Federal competitive grants with matching requirements
Correct answer: Private and family foundations
Private and family foundations often have simpler application and reporting processes and more discretion in how funds may be used compared to government grant programs.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a logic model in a grant application?
- To provide a detailed budget breakdown
- To visually demonstrate how program inputs and activities will lead to intended outcomes, showing the funder the theory of change (Correct answer)
- To list all project staff and their qualifications
- To document agency compliance with financial auditing standards
Correct answer: To visually demonstrate how program inputs and activities will lead to intended outcomes, showing the funder the theory of change
A logic model clearly maps the pathway from resources to results, helping funders understand and trust the proposed program design and evaluation approach.
Question 5: An impact fee is a funding mechanism that requires:
- Existing residents to pay a special assessment for park improvements
- New development to contribute funds toward park infrastructure needed to serve the additional population (Correct answer)
- Businesses to pay for park maintenance adjacent to their properties
- Visitors to pay entrance fees at premium park facilities
Correct answer: New development to contribute funds toward park infrastructure needed to serve the additional population
Impact fees are charged to developers to offset the capital costs of providing parks and recreation services to residents of new developments, a legally established practice in many states.
Question 6: What distinguishes a restricted gift from an unrestricted gift in park philanthropy?
- Restricted gifts are larger in dollar amount
- Restricted gifts must be used for a specific purpose designated by the donor, while unrestricted gifts may be used at the agency's discretion (Correct answer)
- Unrestricted gifts require more detailed reporting to the donor
- Restricted gifts are only made by corporate donors
Correct answer: Restricted gifts must be used for a specific purpose designated by the donor, while unrestricted gifts may be used at the agency's discretion
Understanding the distinction is critical for gift acceptance policies and fund accounting — agencies must honor donor restrictions or risk legal and reputational consequences.
CPRE Grant Writing and Alternative Funding 2
Under 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), federal grant-related financial records must generally be retained for: