FREE Grant Writing Funder Prospect Research Questions and Answers

Question 1

When analyzing a private foundation's Form 990-PF for prospect research, which section provides the most direct insight into its specific funding priorities and giving patterns?

Accepted Answer

The complete list of grants and contributions paid during the year.

Answer

The list of board members and their affiliations.

Answer

The statement of revenue and expenses.

Answer

The section detailing application submission guidelines.

Question 2

A nonprofit focused on local after-school arts programs is researching a foundation. The foundation's website states a broad mission of 'supporting youth development.' Which of the following is the grant writer's BEST next step to determine if this funder is a strong match?

Accepted Answer

Analyze the foundation's past grantees and the average size of their grants.

Answer

Immediately write a letter of inquiry explaining the arts program.

Answer

Call the foundation's general information line to ask about their interest in the arts.

Answer

Assume 'youth development' includes arts and begin drafting a full proposal.

Question 3

Which of the following is the primary goal of funder prospect research?

Accepted Answer

To create a list of potential funders whose giving priorities align with the organization's mission and programs.

Answer

To find funders with the largest endowments.

Answer

To identify funders that have a personal connection to the nonprofit's board members.

Answer

To locate foundations that accept unsolicited proposals.

Question 4

A grant writer discovers a foundation that has funded a very similar organization in the same city for the past three years. What is the most prudent interpretation of this finding?

Accepted Answer

It could be a positive or negative sign, and further research into the relationship and the grantee's performance is needed.

Answer

The foundation is loyal to its current grantees and is unlikely to fund a similar organization.

Answer

The foundation is clearly interested in this type of work and is a strong prospect.

Answer

This finding is irrelevant; each application is judged independently.

Question 5

When beginning the prospect research process, what is the recommended first step for a grant writer?

Accepted Answer

Creating a detailed list of the organization's funding needs and specific projects.

Answer

Searching for foundations in the organization's geographic area.

Answer

Networking with program officers from well-known foundations.

Answer

Subscribing to a high-cost grant database.

Question 6

Besides a foundation's website and 990-PF forms, which of the following is a valuable resource for identifying potential funders and understanding their giving interests?

Accepted Answer

The annual reports and donor lists of similar nonprofit organizations.

Answer

The nonprofit's own social media followers.

Answer

General news articles about the stock market.

Answer

The personal philanthropic gifts of the nonprofit's executive director.