Grant Writing Ethics 5

Question 1

Which of the following scenarios represents an appropriate use of indirect costs in a federally funded grant?

Accepted Answer

Applying the federally negotiated indirect cost rate as specified in the award

Answer

The federally negotiated indirect cost rate must be applied as specified; exceeding it or misapplying it is a compliance and ethics violation.

Question 2

A grant writer learns that her organization did not complete required community needs assessment before submitting an application that claimed it had been done. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Material misrepresentation in a grant application

Answer

Claiming a required assessment was completed when it was not is material misrepresentation, which can constitute fraud.

Question 3

When a private foundation requires grantees to use its logo on all program materials, what ethical consideration should the grant writer raise with organizational leadership?

Accepted Answer

Whether prominent funder branding may compromise the organization's independence or client relationships

Answer

Mandatory funder branding can signal undue influence over organizational activities and may affect client trust or independence.

Question 4

A nonprofit's grant writer is also a voting board member. When the board votes to approve a grant application she wrote, what ethical practice should occur?

Accepted Answer

She should recuse herself from the vote to avoid a conflict of interest

Answer

A board member who authored the grant application has a conflict of interest and should recuse herself from the approval vote.

Question 5

What is the ethical responsibility of a grant writer when she disagrees with her organization's decision to apply for a grant she believes misrepresents their capacity?

Accepted Answer

Raise her concerns in writing to leadership before proceeding

Answer

Ethical grant writers must document and formally raise concerns about misrepresentation before proceeding, giving leadership the opportunity to address the issue.

Grant Writing Practice Test

Grant Writing Practice Test

Grant Writing Ethics 5