Grant Writing Funder Research and Alignment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A nonprofit wants to research funders supporting workforce development in rural areas. Which database is BEST suited for identifying private foundation grants by geographic focus?
- Candid (Foundation Directory Online) (Correct answer)
- EDGAR SEC filings
- USASpending.gov
- System for Award Management (SAM)
Correct answer: Candid (Foundation Directory Online)
Candid's Foundation Directory Online allows filtering by geographic focus, subject area, and grant size for private foundations.
Question 2: When reviewing a funder's 990-PF tax form, which section reveals the actual grants awarded in the previous fiscal year?
- Part I (Revenue)
- Part XV (Supplementary Information) (Correct answer)
- Part IV (Capital Gains)
- Part VIII (Special Activities)
Correct answer: Part XV (Supplementary Information)
Part XV of the 990-PF lists grants and contributions paid, showing actual recipients, amounts, and purposes.
Question 3: A funder's guidelines state they do NOT fund 'individuals, political campaigns, or international organizations.' This language is an example of what?
- Eligibility restrictions (Correct answer)
- Funding priorities
- Grant cycle information
- Reporting requirements
Correct answer: Eligibility restrictions
Eligibility restrictions define which applicants or activities a funder explicitly excludes from consideration.
Question 4: An organization discovers a foundation's average grant size is $15,000 but they plan to request $75,000. What is the BEST course of action?
- Submit the full $75,000 request with strong justification
- Call the program officer to discuss fit before applying (Correct answer)
- Submit for $15,000 and request additional funds later
- Skip this funder entirely
Correct answer: Call the program officer to discuss fit before applying
Contacting the program officer before submitting allows you to gauge whether a larger-than-typical request is feasible and saves everyone time.
Question 5: Which of the following BEST describes a 'theory of change' alignment check when researching funders?
- Confirming the funder uses the same accounting software
- Verifying the funder's stated outcomes match your program's intended impact (Correct answer)
- Ensuring your fiscal year matches the funder's deadline cycle
- Checking that your staff credentials match the funder's board expertise
Correct answer: Verifying the funder's stated outcomes match your program's intended impact
Theory of change alignment means the funder's desired long-term outcomes are congruent with the change your program aims to create.
Question 6: A community foundation releases an RFP with a two-year funding cycle. What does this PRIMARILY mean for an applicant?
- The grant amount doubles each year automatically
- The applicant must reapply annually within the cycle
- Funding and reporting obligations span two years (Correct answer)
- Only two-year-old organizations are eligible
Correct answer: Funding and reporting obligations span two years
A two-year funding cycle means the grant period, deliverables, and reporting requirements extend across two consecutive years.
Question 7: When building a prospect list, what does 'capacity alignment' refer to?
- Matching your server storage to the funder's online portal requirements
- Ensuring your organization can actually manage and deliver on the grant if awarded (Correct answer)
- Verifying the funder has enough staff to review your application
- Confirming the funder's database capacity matches your data submission format
Correct answer: Ensuring your organization can actually manage and deliver on the grant if awarded
Capacity alignment means your organization has the staffing, systems, and infrastructure to execute the funded project successfully.
Grant Writing Funder Research and Alignment 2
A nonprofit wants to research funders supporting workforce development in rural areas.
Which database is BEST suited for identifying private foundation grants by geographic focus?