CRS Grant Proposal Writing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes a 'Letter of Inquiry' (LOI) in the grant process?
- A formal contract between the funder and grantee
- A brief preliminary document submitted to a funder to gauge interest before a full proposal (Correct answer)
- A required attachment listing all project partners
- A post-award report submitted after project completion
Correct answer: A brief preliminary document submitted to a funder to gauge interest before a full proposal
An LOI is a short introductory document allowing funders to screen potential projects for alignment before inviting a full proposal.
Question 2: In federal grants, what does the term 'period of performance' refer to?
- The timeframe during which project activities may be conducted and funds expended (Correct answer)
- The number of years a PI has been conducting research
- The review period used by the federal agency to evaluate the proposal
- The window in which a grantee may appeal a funding decision
Correct answer: The timeframe during which project activities may be conducted and funds expended
The period of performance defines the start and end dates during which all project work must occur and funds must be spent.
Question 3: What is the primary role of a program officer at a funding agency?
- To audit grantee financial records post-award
- To serve as the funder's point of contact, providing guidance on program requirements and proposal expectations (Correct answer)
- To write the grant narrative on behalf of applicants
- To set the negotiated indirect cost rate for applicant institutions
Correct answer: To serve as the funder's point of contact, providing guidance on program requirements and proposal expectations
Program officers manage the grant portfolio, answer applicant questions, and guide applicants on how to align proposals with funder priorities.
Question 4: Which budget category typically includes fringe benefits such as health insurance and retirement contributions?
- Supplies and Materials
- Personnel / Salaries (Correct answer)
- Indirect Costs
- Contractual / Subcontracts
Correct answer: Personnel / Salaries
Fringe benefits are calculated as a percentage of personnel salaries and are listed as a sub-component of the personnel budget category.
Question 5: A grant proposal's evaluation plan should primarily demonstrate which of the following?
- That the project will spend its budget efficiently
- How the project will measure whether its objectives and outcomes were achieved (Correct answer)
- That the organization has prior grant funding experience
- That all partners have signed memoranda of understanding
Correct answer: How the project will measure whether its objectives and outcomes were achieved
The evaluation plan outlines data collection methods and metrics that will determine whether the project's goals were met.
Question 6: Which type of grant funding is typically most competitive and requires the strongest evidence of innovation?
- Capacity-building grants
- Formula grants
- Research and development (R&D) grants (Correct answer)
- Entitlement grants
Correct answer: Research and development (R&D) grants
R&D grants fund new discoveries and innovations and are highly competitive because they require demonstrated scientific rigor and novelty.
Question 7: What is the purpose of including letters of support from community partners in a grant proposal?
- To replace the need for a formal budget justification
- To demonstrate stakeholder commitment, collaboration, and project feasibility (Correct answer)
- To satisfy the funder's requirement for a signed grant contract
- To provide references for the principal investigator's past work
Correct answer: To demonstrate stakeholder commitment, collaboration, and project feasibility
Letters of support show funders that key stakeholders endorse the project and are committed to its success, strengthening credibility.
CRS Grant Proposal Writing 3
Which of the following best describes a 'Letter of Inquiry' (LOI) in the grant process?