Mixed Deck — All Grant Writing Topics Flashcards

When a grant proposal references 'deliverables,' it most commonly means:

Answer: Specific, tangible products or outputs the project will produce

Deliverables are concrete, measurable outcomes or products—such as a curriculum, a report, or a number of people served—that the grantee commits to producing.

What is 'program income' in the context of federal grants?

Answer: Gross income earned by the recipient that is directly generated by the grant-supported activity

Program income is revenue generated directly from grant-funded activities, such as fees for services or sales of products created under the grant, and must be tracked and reported.

Why should a grant writer cite local data in addition to national statistics?

Answer: Local data makes the community need more specific and compelling to funders serving that area

Local data grounds the needs statement in the specific community the program will serve, making the case more relevant and credible to place-based funders.

A community foundation is best distinguished from a private foundation by:

Answer: Its funding from multiple donors in a defined geographic area

Community foundations pool donations from many individuals and organizations within a specific region and typically fund local nonprofits and projects.

What does 'mission integrity' mean in the context of grant writing ethics?

Answer: Only pursuing grants that align with the organization's stated purpose

Mission integrity means only pursuing funding opportunities that genuinely align with the organization's core purpose.

Which type of audit is required for non-federal entities that expend $750,000 or more in federal awards during a fiscal year?

Answer: Single Audit under 2 CFR Part 200

Under the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), non-federal entities spending $750,000 or more in federal funds must undergo a Single Audit.

A grant requires 25% match on a $200,000 award. What is the minimum matching amount?

Answer: $50,000

25% of $200,000 = $50,000 that the grantee must contribute from non-federal sources.

False or True? A preliminary proposal can be written with less preparation than a final one.

Answer: False

Even a preliminary proposal, such as a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) or concept paper, requires significant preparation to be effective. It must concisely and compellingly articulate the problem, proposed solution, and organizational capacity to capture the funder's interest and secure an invitation for a full proposal. Insufficient preparation at this initial stage can lead to immediate rejection, making thorough groundwork essential.

A principal investigator wants to shift 15% of personnel salary from one grant-funded position to another. Under most federal grants, what approval is typically required?

Answer: Prior written approval from the federal awarding agency

Significant reallocation of personnel costs between positions typically requires prior approval from the awarding agency because it changes the approved scope of work.

Which of the following best describes 'SMART' objectives as used in grant proposals?

Answer: Objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound

SMART objectives — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — give funders confidence that the applicant has clearly defined what will be accomplished, how success will be measured, and by when.

A grant writer notices that a foundation funded a direct competitor for the same program last cycle. What is the MOST strategic response?

Answer: Research whether the funder funds multiple grantees in the same issue area

Many funders intentionally support a portfolio of organizations addressing the same issue; researching their grantee diversity helps assess real competition.

A grant report shows the program exceeded its output targets but missed its outcome targets. What does this most likely indicate?

Answer: The program delivered services but those services did not produce the expected changes

Exceeding outputs but missing outcomes suggests the program was implemented as planned but did not achieve the desired behavioral or systemic changes.

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA), now part of SAM.gov, is primarily used to:

Answer: Search and identify federal grant programs by agency and program number

SAM.gov (formerly CFDA) is the central database where federal assistance programs are listed with descriptions and contact information.

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

Answer: The funder's annual report and 990 tax filings

Annual reports and IRS 990 forms reveal actual grant amounts, recipient organizations, and stated priorities, making them the most reliable primary sources for funder research.

A grantee's final report shows that 95% of participants were satisfied with the program, but employment rates did not change. This finding suggests:

Answer: Program satisfaction does not guarantee outcome achievement

High satisfaction shows a positive experience but does not prove that the intended behavioral or economic outcomes were achieved.

Which term describes evaluation conducted during program implementation to improve ongoing delivery?

Answer: Formative evaluation

Formative evaluation occurs during implementation and is used to improve or adjust the program while it is still running.

Which statement about equipment purchases in a grant budget is most accurate?

Answer: Equipment costing above the organization's capitalization threshold often requires prior funder approval

Many federal awards require prior approval for equipment purchases above certain thresholds to ensure the purchase is necessary and reasonable for the project.

What is the purpose of a grant closeout process?

Answer: To formally complete all administrative and financial obligations at the end of a grant period

Grant closeout involves submitting final reports, returning unspent funds if required, reconciling financial records, and ensuring all grant obligations are fulfilled.

When a funder specifies a strict page limit for the narrative, the best strategy is to:

Answer: Prioritize the most compelling evidence and cut repetition

Disciplined editing that retains the strongest evidence demonstrates writing skill and respect for the funder's guidelines.

In an evaluation report, presenting 'lessons learned' serves primarily to:

Answer: Share insights that can improve future programming and inform the field

Lessons learned capture what worked, what didn't, and why—creating knowledge that benefits future programs and contributes to the sector.