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

LWCF grants fund land acquisition and capital development projects for public outdoor recreation, with a matching requirement typically set at 50% of project cost.

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

Funders evaluate organizational capacity to assess whether the applicant can responsibly steward grant funds and deliver promised outcomes, making this section critical to funding decisions.

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

Understanding the distinction helps grant writers maximize available resources — in-kind contributions allow agencies to meet match obligations without additional cash outlays.

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

A park foundation with an endowment generates investment returns that provide perpetual funding for park programming and improvements, independent of annual budget cycles.

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

The project narrative directly articulates how the proposed activities align with and advance the funder's priorities, making it the central persuasive element of the proposal.

CPRE - Certified Park and Recreation Executive Practice Test

CPRE - Certified Park and Recreation Executive Practice Test

CPRE Grant Writing and Alternative Funding