Grant Proposal Writing Flashcards

What is 'scope creep' in the context of grant-funded projects?

Answer: The gradual expansion of project activities beyond what was originally approved in the grant

Scope creep occurs when a project expands beyond its approved boundaries, which can jeopardize compliance and require funder approval for changes.

In a competitive grant review process, what is a 'review panel' or 'peer review panel'?

Answer: A team of independent experts who score and critique submitted proposals

Peer review panels consist of qualified external reviewers who evaluate proposals against published criteria and assign scores that inform funding decisions.

Which of the following is an example of an 'outcome' rather than an 'output' in a grant proposal?

Answer: A 20% increase in participants' job placement rates six months post-training

Outcomes measure changes in knowledge, behavior, or conditions resulting from a program, while outputs are the direct products of activities.

What does 'allowable cost' mean under federal grant regulations?

Answer: A cost that meets the criteria of being necessary, reasonable, allocable, and consistent with federal cost principles

Under OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), costs must be necessary, reasonable, allocable to the award, and consistent with federal cost principles to be allowable.

When a funder asks for a 'dissemination plan,' what are they seeking?

Answer: A strategy for sharing project findings and results with relevant audiences beyond the funded project

A dissemination plan describes how the project will share its results, tools, or best practices with broader audiences to maximize impact.

What is the significance of a 'Notice of Award' (NOA) in the federal grant process?

Answer: It is the official legal document that authorizes the grantee to begin work and expend funds

The NOA is the binding legal document from the federal agency that formally authorizes the award, specifies terms and conditions, and permits expenditure of funds.

Which approach is most effective when tailoring a grant proposal to a specific funder?

Answer: Align the proposal's language, priorities, and framing directly with the funder's stated mission and funding priorities

Proposals that clearly reflect the funder's own language, values, and priorities demonstrate alignment and are far more competitive.