Grant Writing Grant Writing Funder Research and Alignment Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

When researching a potential funder, which source is MOST useful for understanding their recent giving priorities?

Accepted Answer

The funder's annual report and 990 tax filings

Answer

A general internet search for the funder's name

Answer

The funder's social media follower count

Answer

News articles about the funder's CEO

Question 2

What does 'mission alignment' mean in the context of funder research?

Accepted Answer

Your organization's goals match the funder's stated priorities

Answer

Your budget matches the funder's typical grant size

Answer

Your organization is located near the funder's headquarters

Answer

Your executive director knows the funder's program officer

Question 3

A foundation's 990-PF form is particularly valuable for funder research because it reveals which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The foundation's total assets, grants paid, and recipient organizations

Answer

The foundation's preferred proposal format

Answer

The names of rejected applicants

Answer

The foundation's strategic plan for the next five years

Question 4

Which strategy is MOST effective when a funder's guidelines do not explicitly mention your program area?

Accepted Answer

Identify how your work connects to the funder's broader goals and frame your proposal accordingly

Answer

Submit a proposal anyway and hope for the best

Answer

Contact the funder and ask them to expand their guidelines

Answer

Modify your entire program to fit the funder's stated priorities

Question 5

What is a 'Letter of Inquiry' (LOI) primarily used for in funder engagement?

Accepted Answer

To gauge a funder's interest before submitting a full proposal

Answer

To formally accept a grant award

Answer

To request feedback on a declined proposal

Answer

To introduce your organization's board of directors

Question 6

When building a prospect list of potential funders, which factor should be evaluated FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Whether the funder supports your geographic area and program focus

Answer

The funder's total endowment size

Answer

How quickly the funder makes award decisions

Answer

Whether the funder accepts electronic submissions