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Funder Prospect Research Flashcards

7 cards from real Grant Writing practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Funder Prospect Research flashcards as text

  1. When building a prospect research spreadsheet, which data field is LEAST useful for prioritizing applications?

    Answer: The foundation's year of incorporation

    The year a foundation was incorporated has no bearing on whether it's a good prospect or how to prioritize your application efforts.

  2. A funder's Request for Proposals (RFP) specifies that they fund 'capacity-building' projects. Which project would be the strongest fit?

    Answer: Hiring a development director and upgrading donor database software

    Capacity-building grants specifically fund improvements to an organization's infrastructure and operational effectiveness, not direct service delivery.

  3. Which search strategy best identifies corporate giving programs that are NOT foundations?

    Answer: Reviewing a company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) report and website

    Many corporations give directly through CSR programs rather than through a separate foundation, so their company website and CSR reports are the primary source.

  4. What is the purpose of the 'five-point fit test' in prospect research?

    Answer: To score alignment between your project and a funder's mission, geography, population, funding level, and timing

    The five-point fit test assesses whether a prospect aligns with your work across the dimensions most likely to determine eligibility and success.

  5. A foundation's website says 'by invitation only — we reach out to grantees proactively.' What is the best response for a grant seeker?

    Answer: Track the foundation's interests closely and look for relationship-building opportunities over time

    Invitation-only funders typically develop relationships over time, so building visibility through networks and events is the right long-term strategy.

  6. USASpending.gov is primarily used in prospect research to:

    Answer: Analyze past federal grant awards to identify relevant agencies and programs

    USASpending.gov tracks all federal spending including grants, allowing researchers to identify which agencies fund work similar to theirs.

  7. When a foundation's IRS 990-PF shows 'investment income' of $2 million but total grants of $150,000, this likely indicates:

    Answer: The foundation is significantly under its 5% payout requirement and may increase giving

    A large gap between investment income and grant distributions may signal that the foundation is building assets or will need to increase grantmaking to meet IRS requirements.