Grant Writing Grant Writing MCQ 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which section of a grant proposal most directly addresses the 'why' — establishing that a problem exists and justifying the need for funding?
- Project Description / Narrative
- Statement of Need / Needs Assessment (Correct answer)
- Goals and Objectives
- Evaluation Plan
Correct answer: Statement of Need / Needs Assessment
The Statement of Need uses data and evidence to demonstrate the severity of the problem the project will address.
Question 2: A 'sole-source' or 'non-competitive' grant is one where:
- Only nonprofit organizations may apply
- Funds are awarded to a specific recipient without a competitive review process (Correct answer)
- The funder solicits proposals from exactly two organizations
- The grant covers only one budget category
Correct answer: Funds are awarded to a specific recipient without a competitive review process
Sole-source grants bypass competition and are awarded directly to a named recipient, often due to unique qualifications or emergency circumstances.
Question 3: Under 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), which principle governs how costs may be charged to federal grants?
- Costs must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable (Correct answer)
- All costs must be approved in advance by the federal agency
- Indirect costs cannot exceed 10% of the total project budget
- Personnel costs must be paid at the federal GS pay scale
Correct answer: Costs must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable
The Uniform Guidance requires that costs charged to federal awards be allowable under the program, allocable to the project, and reasonable in amount.
Question 4: Letters of support from community partners are most valuable in a grant proposal when they:
- Are generic letters praising the applicant organization's general work
- Specifically describe the partner's role in the project and the resources they will contribute (Correct answer)
- Are signed by elected officials regardless of their connection to the project
- Exceed two pages to demonstrate thoroughness
Correct answer: Specifically describe the partner's role in the project and the resources they will contribute
Strong letters of support are specific about the partner's commitment, describing concrete roles and contributions rather than general endorsements.
Question 5: When a grant proposal references 'evidence-based practices,' this means the proposed intervention:
- Has been tested informally by the applying organization
- Is supported by rigorous research demonstrating its effectiveness (Correct answer)
- Has received prior federal funding at least once
- Is recommended by the applicant's board of directors
Correct answer: Is supported by rigorous research demonstrating its effectiveness
Evidence-based practices are approaches validated through scientific research, often randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews.
Question 6: A grant 'closeout' report typically requires the grantee to submit:
- A new proposal for follow-on funding
- Final financial and programmatic reports demonstrating how funds were used and outcomes achieved (Correct answer)
- An audit completed by the funder's accounting team
- A press release about the project's accomplishments
Correct answer: Final financial and programmatic reports demonstrating how funds were used and outcomes achieved
Closeout reports document final expenditures and program results, certifying that grant requirements were fulfilled.
Question 7: Which strategy is most effective for writing a compelling executive summary in a grant proposal?
- Write it first so it guides the rest of the proposal
- Write it last, summarizing the key points of the completed proposal in 1-2 paragraphs (Correct answer)
- Copy and paste the statement of need verbatim
- Focus exclusively on budget figures to show fiscal responsibility
Correct answer: Write it last, summarizing the key points of the completed proposal in 1-2 paragraphs
Writing the executive summary last ensures it accurately reflects the final proposal content and serves as a concise overview for busy reviewers.
Grant Writing Grant Writing MCQ 4
Which section of a grant proposal most directly addresses the 'why' — establishing that a problem exists and justifying the need for funding?