Grant Writing Proposal Narrative Development 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When writing a needs statement in a grant proposal, what is the primary purpose of citing local data over national statistics?
- To impress reviewers with research depth
- To demonstrate the problem exists specifically in the funded community (Correct answer)
- To avoid copyright issues with federal reports
- To reduce word count in the narrative
Correct answer: To demonstrate the problem exists specifically in the funded community
Local data grounds the need in the funder's geographic area of interest and proves the problem is not hypothetical.
Question 2: In a logic model used within a proposal narrative, 'outputs' are best described as:
- The long-term community changes expected
- The direct products of program activities, such as number of workshops held (Correct answer)
- The financial resources allocated to the project
- The assumptions underlying the project design
Correct answer: The direct products of program activities, such as number of workshops held
Outputs are the direct, measurable results of activities, distinct from outcomes which reflect deeper change.
Question 3: A funder's RFP requires a 'theory of change.' Which narrative element best satisfies this requirement?
- A list of staff credentials
- An explanation of how specific activities will lead to intended outcomes (Correct answer)
- A detailed line-item budget justification
- A summary of previous grant awards received
Correct answer: An explanation of how specific activities will lead to intended outcomes
A theory of change articulates the causal pathway from activities through outputs to short- and long-term outcomes.
Question 4: Which technique best helps a proposal narrative maintain logical flow between sections?
- Using different fonts for each section heading
- Repeating the organization's mission statement verbatim in each section
- Using transitional language that links how each section builds on the previous one (Correct answer)
- Placing the evaluation plan before the project description
Correct answer: Using transitional language that links how each section builds on the previous one
Transitional language creates coherence, helping reviewers see how need, goals, activities, and evaluation interlock.
Question 5: When describing project personnel in a proposal narrative, what is the most critical information to include?
- Personal hobbies and interests of key staff
- Qualifications directly tied to proposed project roles and responsibilities (Correct answer)
- Full employment histories dating back ten years
- Office locations and phone numbers
Correct answer: Qualifications directly tied to proposed project roles and responsibilities
Reviewers evaluate whether staff qualifications match the specific demands of the proposed work.
Question 6: A proposal narrative's 'organizational capacity' section is weakened most by:
- Describing past projects with measurable outcomes
- Listing partnerships with community organizations
- Making vague claims about experience without supporting evidence (Correct answer)
- Explaining how the organization's mission aligns with funder priorities
Correct answer: Making vague claims about experience without supporting evidence
Unsupported claims reduce credibility; reviewers expect concrete evidence of past performance.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes 'SMART' objectives in grant proposal writing?
- Objectives written in simple language accessible to non-experts
- Objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (Correct answer)
- Objectives approved by a steering committee before submission
- Objectives derived directly from the funder's strategic plan
Correct answer: Objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
SMART objectives give evaluators a clear, verifiable standard against which project success can be measured.
Grant Writing Proposal Narrative Development 2
When writing a needs statement in a grant proposal, what is the primary purpose of citing local data over national statistics?