Scenario Planning 101: Communicating During Grant Disruptions


Hi Reader,

When grant disruptions hit—whether a temporary funding freeze, a stop work order, or a full termination—your communication plan determines whether things stay calm or spiral into confusion.

This week, we’re breaking down how to guide your team and your subrecipients through times of uncertainty with clarity, consistency, and confidence.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Communicate early and internally: Program staff, finance, and leadership should be aligned on what’s happening and what steps are next. A short internal briefing can help reduce confusion and maintain focus.
  • Prepare for the “what ifs”: Scenario planning helps your team respond quickly if funding is paused. Make sure you’ve outlined next steps and decision-makers in advance.
  • Use clear, consistent messaging: Whether you’re talking to a subrecipient or your own program leads, try to mirror the language and tone your federal agency uses. It’ll help avoid mixed messages.
  • Don’t forget your contractors: If work needs to stop, you’ll need to issue a formal stop work order, not just send an email.

Learn What to Do if Your Award Is Terminated

Speaking of scenario planning… if your award is unexpectedly terminated or reduced, what happens next? This month’s live training will walk you through the exact steps to take, helping you maximize available funds, communicate effectively, and plan your next move.


📅 May 22, 2025 | 1–2 PM Eastern

Instructor: Rachel Werner, MPA, PMP, GPC


Missed the Live Grant Management Bootcamp?

No worries! Our self-paced GMBC course is now available on-demand, and we’ll be hosting live sessions quarterly for those who couldn’t attend the most recent one. A great option if you want to keep building confidence and compliance knowledge throughout the year.


FAQ of the Week

Q: What should I tell my subrecipients and other partners during a funding freeze or grant disruption?|

A: You can provide the same guidance your federal agency shares with you. Subrecipients follow the same rules as recipients and pass-through entities. For contractors, you’ll need to issue a formal stop work order to pause performance.


Mirror the tone and terminology your federal agency uses when communicating with internal teams or subrecipients. This ensures clarity, reduces misinterpretation, and keeps your documentation aligned.

 

Stay #GrantReady with MyFedTrainer!

Whether you’re preparing for unexpected disruptions or fine-tuning your internal processes, we’re here to help you navigate federal grant management with confidence.

Make sure you’re signed up for upcoming trainings, follow us on LinkedIn for the latest federal grant updates, and reach out to us at Support@MyFedTrainer.com anytime for support.

Let’s keep building smarter, stronger grant teams—together.

Guiding your grant journey,

Rachel Werner
Compliance Champion
MyFedTrainer.com


Training & Resources

Upcoming Trainings

Check out our updated calendar to register for upcoming events and trainings!

Additional links, tools and resources to keep your grant ready!


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