CGA CGA Stakeholder Engagement & Communication 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which approach best supports successful funder relationship management after grant award?
- Contact the program officer only when problems arise
- Proactively share positive outcomes and flag concerns early (Correct answer)
- Avoid contact to minimize oversight scrutiny
- Communicate only through formal audit responses
Correct answer: Proactively share positive outcomes and flag concerns early
Proactively sharing outcomes and raising concerns early builds trust with funders and reduces the likelihood of compliance issues escalating.
Question 2: A local government grant administrator needs to communicate a significant budget modification to the federal grantor. What is the required first step?
- Make the budget change and document it internally
- Review the grant agreement to determine if prior approval is required (Correct answer)
- Notify the public before contacting the grantor
- Consult only with the organization's legal counsel
Correct answer: Review the grant agreement to determine if prior approval is required
The grant agreement specifies when prior approval from the federal grantor is required for budget modifications, making it the essential first reference.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a logic model in stakeholder communication for a grant program?
- To satisfy a one-time reporting requirement
- To visually communicate the program's theory of change and expected outcomes (Correct answer)
- To replace narrative reports to funders
- To track staff timesheets
Correct answer: To visually communicate the program's theory of change and expected outcomes
A logic model visually maps inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes, helping stakeholders understand how the program creates change.
Question 4: When disseminating grant-funded research findings, a CGA should ensure the publications:
- Omit acknowledgment of federal funding to avoid scrutiny
- Acknowledge the federal funding source as required by the grant agreement (Correct answer)
- Share findings only with the funding agency
- Publish results only after the grant period closes
Correct answer: Acknowledge the federal funding source as required by the grant agreement
Federal grant agreements typically require grantees to acknowledge the funding source in all publications and public communications.
Question 5: A CGA is creating a communications plan for a new federally funded program. Which element is most critical to include?
- A list of all staff salaries
- Key messages, target audiences, communication channels, and a timeline (Correct answer)
- The full grant budget justification
- A history of the organization's past grants
Correct answer: Key messages, target audiences, communication channels, and a timeline
An effective communications plan must identify key messages, audiences, appropriate channels, and a timeline to coordinate outreach systematically.
Question 6: When a grant-funded initiative must end due to loss of funding, how should a CGA communicate this to program participants?
- Post a notice on the organization's website only
- Provide timely, clear, and compassionate notice with referrals to alternative resources (Correct answer)
- Notify participants only on the last day of services
- Avoid communication to minimize negative reactions
Correct answer: Provide timely, clear, and compassionate notice with referrals to alternative resources
Timely and compassionate communication with referrals to alternatives respects participants' needs and upholds the organization's ethical obligations.
CGA CGA Stakeholder Engagement & Communication 2
Which approach best supports successful funder relationship management after grant award?