Grant Writing Grant Writing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'scope creep' in grant project management?
- When the grant budget exceeds the approved amount
- When a project gradually expands beyond its originally defined goals and deliverables (Correct answer)
- When a funder requests additional reporting mid-grant
- When staff turnover disrupts program implementation
Correct answer: When a project gradually expands beyond its originally defined goals and deliverables
Scope creep occurs when a project grows beyond its original boundaries, often jeopardizing timelines, budgets, and grant compliance.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes a 'consortium grant'?
- A grant exclusively for academic institutions
- A grant submitted jointly by multiple organizations working toward a shared goal (Correct answer)
- A government grant requiring a congressional sponsor
- A grant that funds multiple unrelated projects simultaneously
Correct answer: A grant submitted jointly by multiple organizations working toward a shared goal
A consortium grant involves a lead applicant and partner organizations collaborating on a shared project, with funds often flowing through the lead entity.
Question 3: What is the role of a 'fiscal sponsor' in grant writing?
- A bank that holds grant funds in escrow
- An established nonprofit that receives and manages grant funds on behalf of a project without 501(c)(3) status (Correct answer)
- A CPA hired to audit grant expenditures
- A board member responsible for financial oversight
Correct answer: An established nonprofit that receives and manages grant funds on behalf of a project without 501(c)(3) status
A fiscal sponsor allows unincorporated projects or groups without nonprofit status to receive tax-deductible grants through an established 501(c)(3) organization.
Question 4: In a grant budget, what is the difference between 'personnel' and 'fringe benefits'?
- Personnel includes all staff costs; fringe benefits are non-monetary perks like flexible hours
- Personnel refers to salaries/wages; fringe benefits are employment costs like health insurance and payroll taxes (Correct answer)
- Personnel costs are direct; fringe benefits are indirect costs
- There is no distinction — they are the same budget line
Correct answer: Personnel refers to salaries/wages; fringe benefits are employment costs like health insurance and payroll taxes
Personnel covers salary and wages, while fringe benefits are additional employer-paid costs such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and payroll taxes.
Question 5: What does 'competitive grant' mean?
- A grant where applicants compete by lowering their budget requests
- A grant where multiple applicants submit proposals and funders select the strongest ones (Correct answer)
- A grant exclusive to organizations that compete nationally in their field
- A grant that requires applicants to match 100% of the award
Correct answer: A grant where multiple applicants submit proposals and funders select the strongest ones
Competitive grants involve a review process where funders compare proposals and award funding to those that best meet their criteria.
Question 6: Which element is most important when writing grant objectives?
- Using inspiring, aspirational language to motivate reviewers
- Making objectives SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (Correct answer)
- Keeping objectives vague to allow flexibility during implementation
- Aligning objectives with the organization's mission rather than funder priorities
Correct answer: Making objectives SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
SMART objectives give funders confidence that the organization has a clear, achievable plan with measurable outcomes.
Question 7: What is a 'continuation grant'?
- A grant that continues funding a previously funded project after the initial grant period ends (Correct answer)
- A grant that continues even if the organization misses reporting deadlines
- A grant awarded to organizations that have never received funding before
- A multi-year grant given all at once upfront
Correct answer: A grant that continues funding a previously funded project after the initial grant period ends
A continuation grant provides additional funding to extend a project that has already received initial funding, often requiring proof of prior success.
Grant Writing Grant Writing 3
What is 'scope creep' in grant project management?