Grant Writing Grant Writing MCQ 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a logic model in a grant proposal?
- To list staff qualifications
- To visually map the relationship between inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes (Correct answer)
- To summarize the budget narrative
- To describe the organization's history
Correct answer: To visually map the relationship between inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes
A logic model visually depicts how resources and activities lead to intended outcomes, helping funders understand program theory.
Question 2: Which section of a grant proposal typically describes how the project will continue after funding ends?
- Statement of Need
- Evaluation Plan
- Sustainability Plan (Correct answer)
- Organizational Capacity
Correct answer: Sustainability Plan
The Sustainability Plan explains how the project will be maintained financially and operationally beyond the grant period.
Question 3: A 'letter of inquiry' (LOI) in grant writing is best described as:
- A formal contract between funder and grantee
- A short preliminary document to gauge funder interest before submitting a full proposal (Correct answer)
- A report submitted after grant funds are spent
- A letter from a community partner endorsing the project
Correct answer: A short preliminary document to gauge funder interest before submitting a full proposal
An LOI is a brief introduction sent to a funder to determine whether a full proposal would be considered.
Question 4: When writing grant objectives, the SMART framework requires that objectives be:
- Simple, Measurable, Actionable, Reasonable, Timely
- Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound (Correct answer)
- Strategic, Meaningful, Accurate, Realistic, Thorough
- Systematic, Motivating, Attainable, Resourced, Trackable
Correct answer: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — ensuring objectives are clear and verifiable.
Question 5: Which type of grant funding is typically the most competitive and prestigious, often awarded for innovative research or demonstration projects?
- Formula grants
- Discretionary grants (Correct answer)
- Block grants
- Entitlement grants
Correct answer: Discretionary grants
Discretionary grants are awarded competitively based on merit, often for innovative or high-impact projects.
Question 6: In a federal grant budget, 'indirect costs' (overhead) are calculated using:
- A flat dollar amount set by the program officer
- A rate negotiated with the federal government and applied to a base (Correct answer)
- The total project budget multiplied by 10%
- The number of full-time employees on the project
Correct answer: A rate negotiated with the federal government and applied to a base
Indirect cost rates are formally negotiated between an organization and its cognizant federal agency and applied to a direct cost base.
Question 7: Which document outlines the rules, eligibility requirements, and deadlines for a specific federal grant competition?
- The Notice of Award (NOA)
- The Federal Register Notice / Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (Correct answer)
- The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)
- The Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
Correct answer: The Federal Register Notice / Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) published in the Federal Register details all requirements applicants must follow for a specific competition.
What is the primary purpose of a logic model in a grant proposal?