Grant Writing Budget and Financial Planning Questions and Answers

Question 1

An organization is preparing a budget for a federal grant and plans to use the de minimis indirect cost rate. According to 2 CFR 200, what is the standard de minimis rate and to what cost base is it applied?

Accepted Answer

10% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC).

Answer

According to 2 CFR 200.414(f), organizations that have never had a federally negotiated indirect cost rate can elect to use a de minimis rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). MTDC is a specific base that excludes certain large costs like equipment, capital expenditures, and the portion of subawards over $25,000 (note: this threshold can vary, but the base is still MTDC).

Question 2

A grant proposal budget includes a line item for 'Personnel' totaling $50,000. What is the primary function of the corresponding section in the budget justification narrative?

Accepted Answer

To provide a detailed calculation showing each person's role, level of effort (e.g., % FTE), and salary breakdown.

Answer

The budget justification's purpose is to explain the 'why' behind the numbers. For personnel, this means detailing who will work on the project, what their role is, how much of their time the project requires (often as a percentage of full-time employment), and how their salary cost was calculated. This connects the cost directly to the project activities.

Question 3

A local business has agreed to provide free printing services, valued at $2,000, for a nonprofit's new community program. In the grant proposal budget, how should this contribution be categorized?

Accepted Answer

As an in-kind contribution.

Answer

An in-kind contribution is a non-cash donation of goods or services. Since the printing services are being provided for free rather than as a cash grant, they are properly classified as in-kind support, demonstrating community investment in the project.

Question 4

A university submits a budget for a federal grant that includes a line item for 'Lobbying expenses to advocate for future program funding.' According to the cost principles in 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), how would this cost MOST likely be treated?

Accepted Answer

Unallowable, as lobbying costs are generally prohibited.

Answer

The Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) explicitly lists costs incurred for lobbying and other fundraising activities as unallowable costs that cannot be charged to a federal award. Even if the intent is to sustain the project, this type of expense is not permitted.

Question 5

A funder requires a 1:1 match for their $50,000 grant award. Which of the following scenarios fulfills this requirement?

Accepted Answer

The organization secures $25,000 in cash and documents $25,000 in volunteer time.

Answer

A 1:1 match means the organization must contribute resources equal in value to the grant award. This can be a combination of cash (money spent directly on the project) and in-kind contributions (like the value of volunteer time). Using another federal grant as a match is typically not allowed unless explicitly permitted by statute. The total project cost would be $100,000 ($50k grant + $50k match), and the match must be secured and committed, not just promised for the future.

Grant Writing Practice Test

Grant Writing Practice Test

Grant Writing Budget and Financial Planning Questions and Answers