CPRP Grant Writing and External Funding — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal program provides 50/50 matching grants to states for acquiring and developing outdoor recreation areas, making it a primary capital funding source for public parks agencies?
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
- Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) (Correct answer)
- Safe Routes to School Program
- Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
Correct answer: Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), administered through the National Park Service, provides matching grants for acquiring and developing outdoor recreation lands and facilities. It is one of the most significant federal funding sources for local parks agencies.
Question 2: In a grant proposal, what is the primary purpose of the 'needs statement' (also called a 'statement of need')?
- To describe the applying organization's financial history and credit rating
- To document the community problem or service gap that the proposed project will address (Correct answer)
- To list the grant writer's professional qualifications and certifications
- To describe competing organizations operating in the same service area
Correct answer: To document the community problem or service gap that the proposed project will address
The needs statement uses data, research, and community evidence to demonstrate to funders that an unmet need exists and that the proposed project is the appropriate response — it answers the question 'why is this project necessary?'
Question 3: A parks department receives a federal grant requiring a 25% local match on a total project cost of $200,000. What is the minimum local match required?
- $25,000
- $50,000 (Correct answer)
- $75,000
- $100,000
Correct answer: $50,000
$200,000 × 0.25 = $50,000. The local agency must contribute $50,000 while the federal grant covers the remaining $150,000 (75% of the total project cost). Match is always calculated against total project cost unless otherwise specified.
Question 4: What are 'in-kind contributions' in the context of local match requirements for a grant?
- Cash donations transferred from one government account to another
- Non-cash resources such as volunteer labor, donated materials, or use of facilities that have a documented dollar value (Correct answer)
- Federal funds re-programmed from an existing grant award
- Earned revenue collected from participant program fees
Correct answer: Non-cash resources such as volunteer labor, donated materials, or use of facilities that have a documented dollar value
In-kind contributions are non-cash resources with a quantifiable value — volunteer hours at prevailing wage rates, donated equipment, or free facility use. Many grant programs allow in-kind contributions to count toward the required local match.
Question 5: Which section of a grant proposal provides a detailed, line-by-line financial breakdown of projected project costs?
- Executive summary
- Needs statement
- Budget and budget justification (Correct answer)
- Organizational capacity section
Correct answer: Budget and budget justification
The budget section provides the line-item cost breakdown while the budget justification explains and defends each expenditure, demonstrating that costs are reasonable, allowable under grant rules, and necessary for project success.
Question 6: After a parks agency is awarded a grant, what is its PRIMARY ongoing obligation to the funder throughout the project period?
- Submitting a single final report only upon project completion
- Hiring staff recommended by the funder for all project positions
- Regular progress reporting, financial accountability, and compliance with all grant conditions (Correct answer)
- Returning any unspent funds immediately at the midpoint of the project
Correct answer: Regular progress reporting, financial accountability, and compliance with all grant conditions
Grant stewardship requires ongoing progress and financial reporting, adherence to the approved budget and project scope, and compliance with all grant terms — not just a closing report. Failure to comply can result in grant termination and repayment demands.
CPRP Grant Writing and External Funding
Which federal program provides 50/50 matching grants to states for acquiring and developing outdoor recreation areas, making it a primary capital funding source for public parks agencies?