Grant Writing & Proposal Development Flashcards
7 cards from real CGA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Grant Writing & Proposal Development flashcards as text
A grant writer discovers that a key piece of community data in the problem statement is three years old. What is the best course of action?
Answer: Find more current data or acknowledge the date and explain its continued relevance
Grant reviewers expect current and cited data; if recent local data is unavailable, writers should acknowledge limitations and supplement with current comparable sources.
A project narrative instructs applicants to 'describe the target population.' What information is most critical to include?
Answer: Demographic characteristics, size, and specific needs of the population
Clearly defining the target population—who they are, how many, and their specific needs—helps reviewers understand the scope and appropriateness of the proposed intervention.
Which of the following is the most effective strategy for aligning a proposal with a private foundation's priorities?
Answer: Reviewing the funder's 990-PF to understand past grantmaking and tailoring the proposal accordingly
A foundation's 990-PF reveals actual past grants, amounts, and grantee types, enabling writers to tailor proposals to demonstrated funder interests.
What is the primary risk of using jargon and acronyms without explanation in a grant proposal?
Answer: Reviewers unfamiliar with the terms may misunderstand or devalue the proposal
Grant reviewers may not share the same field-specific vocabulary, so unexplained jargon can obscure meaning and reduce the proposal's persuasive impact.
A grant proposal timeline (work plan) should include which of the following elements?
Answer: Specific activities, responsible staff, and projected completion dates
An effective work plan lists each major activity, who is accountable for it, and by when it will be completed, demonstrating project feasibility.
Which of the following best describes 'program theory' as used in grant proposal development?
Answer: The underlying assumptions about why specific activities will produce desired change
Program theory articulates the causal chain—the 'if-then' logic—explaining why the proposed activities are expected to lead to the intended outcomes.
When a funder requires a 'dissemination plan,' grant writers should describe:
Answer: How project findings, products, or lessons learned will be shared with a broader audience
A dissemination plan explains how the project's results, tools, or knowledge will be communicated beyond the immediate program participants to maximize impact.