CPRE Grant Writing and Alternative Funding

Question 1

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides funding primarily for:

Accepted Answer

Acquisition and development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities

Answer

Operational expenses of recreation programs

Answer

Staff training and professional development

Answer

Marketing and outreach campaigns for park agencies

Question 2

Which element of a grant proposal most directly demonstrates a park agency's capacity to manage awarded funds responsibly?

Accepted Answer

An organizational capacity statement detailing financial management systems, auditing practices, and prior grant performance

Answer

A compelling narrative about community need

Answer

The number of volunteer hours contributed to the project

Answer

The agency director's biographical statement

Question 3

In grant terminology, what is the difference between a matching requirement and an in-kind contribution?

Accepted Answer

A matching requirement mandates a specific share of project costs from the grantee, while in-kind contributions are non-cash resources counted toward that match

Answer

They are legally identical terms

Answer

In-kind contributions are not permitted in federal grants

Answer

Matching requirements only apply to capital grants

Question 4

Which alternative funding mechanism creates a permanent endowment for parks?

Accepted Answer

A park foundation established as a 501(c)(3) with endowment investment strategies

Answer

Annual membership fee programs

Answer

Naming rights agreements with corporate sponsors

Answer

Revenue bonds for capital improvements

Question 5

Which section of a grant proposal directly responds to the funder's stated funding priorities and criteria?

Accepted Answer

Project narrative and program design section

Answer

Executive summary

Answer

Budget justification

Answer

Organizational history

Question 6

What is grant cycling in park funding strategy?

Accepted Answer

Strategically sequencing grant applications to build on prior awards, creating a pipeline of overlapping funded projects

Answer

Applying to the same funder every year regardless of project fit

Answer

Rotating grant writing responsibilities among all agency staff

Answer

Cycling unused grant funds back to the funder at year-end