CRS Grant Proposal Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a logic model in a grant proposal?
- To list the budget line items in detail
- To visually show the relationship between inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes (Correct answer)
- To summarize the principal investigator's qualifications
- To outline the timeline for project milestones
Correct answer: To visually show the relationship between inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes
A logic model graphically depicts how a program's inputs and activities lead to its intended outputs and outcomes.
Question 2: Which section of a grant proposal typically includes a review of existing literature and identifies gaps the project will address?
- Evaluation Plan
- Organizational Capacity
- Statement of Need / Background (Correct answer)
- Dissemination Plan
Correct answer: Statement of Need / Background
The Statement of Need (or Background) establishes the problem's scope using evidence and literature, then identifies the gap the project fills.
Question 3: A funder requires a 25% cost-share on a $400,000 project. How much must the applicant contribute?
- $25,000
- $75,000
- $100,000 (Correct answer)
- $125,000
Correct answer: $100,000
25% of $400,000 equals $100,000 in required cost-share from the applicant.
Question 4: What does the term 'indirect costs' (also called F&A costs) refer to in a grant budget?
- Costs directly tied to a specific project activity
- Overhead expenses such as utilities, administration, and facilities not directly assignable to a single project (Correct answer)
- Costs for subcontractors performing project work
- Travel expenses for project personnel
Correct answer: Overhead expenses such as utilities, administration, and facilities not directly assignable to a single project
Indirect (F&A) costs are institutional overhead expenses shared across many projects, recovered through a negotiated rate.
Question 5: Which element is most critical to include when writing SMART objectives for a grant proposal?
- A broad aspirational vision statement
- Specific, measurable targets with defined timeframes (Correct answer)
- A list of all staff who will contribute to the objective
- References to prior funded projects by the PI
Correct answer: Specific, measurable targets with defined timeframes
SMART objectives must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound to demonstrate accountability to funders.
Question 6: When a Request for Proposals (RFP) specifies a page limit, what is the best practice for a grant writer?
- Submit slightly over the limit if the content is compelling
- Stay within the limit; exceeding it may result in automatic disqualification (Correct answer)
- Use footnotes to add extra content not counted in the page limit
- Request a waiver from the program officer before submission
Correct answer: Stay within the limit; exceeding it may result in automatic disqualification
Most funders strictly enforce page limits, and submissions exceeding them are often rejected without review.
Question 7: What is the function of an abstract or executive summary in a grant proposal?
- To provide a detailed financial justification for the budget
- To offer a concise overview of the entire proposal for quick reviewer orientation (Correct answer)
- To list all references cited in the narrative
- To describe the funder's priorities and mission
Correct answer: To offer a concise overview of the entire proposal for quick reviewer orientation
The abstract gives reviewers a brief, clear snapshot of the project's purpose, methods, and expected outcomes before they read the full proposal.
CRS Grant Proposal Writing 2
What is the primary purpose of a logic model in a grant proposal?