Grant Writing Introduction to Grant Writing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal database is the primary source for finding U.S. government grant opportunities?
- USASpending.gov
- Grants.gov (Correct answer)
- SAM.gov
- Data.gov
Correct answer: Grants.gov
Grants.gov is the official federal website where government agencies post grant opportunities and applicants submit proposals.
Question 2: In grant writing, SMART objectives should be all of the following EXCEPT:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Aspirational (Correct answer)
- Time-bound
Correct answer: Aspirational
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable (or Attainable), Relevant, and Time-bound—'Aspirational' is not one of the standard components.
Question 3: A grant writer is reviewing guidelines that state 'no indirect costs allowed.' This means:
- Personnel costs are ineligible
- The funder will not reimburse overhead or administrative expenses (Correct answer)
- The budget must be submitted without a narrative
- All costs must be paid in advance by the applicant
Correct answer: The funder will not reimburse overhead or administrative expenses
Indirect costs (also called overhead or facilities and administrative costs) cover organizational expenses like rent and utilities; some funders prohibit their reimbursement.
Question 4: Which document proves to funders that a nonprofit is tax-exempt under U.S. federal law?
- IRS Form 990
- IRS Determination Letter (501(c)(3)) (Correct answer)
- Articles of Incorporation
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) confirmation
Correct answer: IRS Determination Letter (501(c)(3))
The IRS Determination Letter confirms an organization's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, which most foundations require before awarding grants.
Question 5: What is a 'fiscal sponsor' in the context of grant seeking?
- A bank that manages grant disbursements
- An established nonprofit that receives and administers grant funds on behalf of an unincorporated group (Correct answer)
- A government official who approves federal grants
- A consultant who writes grants for a percentage of the award
Correct answer: An established nonprofit that receives and administers grant funds on behalf of an unincorporated group
A fiscal sponsor is a 501(c)(3) organization that extends its legal and tax-exempt status to a project or group that lacks its own nonprofit status.
Question 6: When a grant proposal references 'deliverables,' it most commonly means:
- Items purchased with grant funds
- Specific, tangible products or outputs the project will produce (Correct answer)
- Financial reports submitted to the funder
- Letters of support from community partners
Correct 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.
Question 7: A grant writer notices the funder's guidelines say 'submit one original and three copies.' This instruction reflects:
- A digital submission portal requirement
- A traditional paper submission process (Correct answer)
- An email attachment protocol
- A video pitch requirement
Correct answer: A traditional paper submission process
Some foundations still require paper applications, and asking for originals plus copies is a hallmark of traditional paper-based submission processes.
Grant Writing Introduction to Grant Writing 3
Which federal database is the primary source for finding U.S. government grant opportunities?