In the case of the FCC and the Affordable Connectivity program which lost funding half way through, this was a serious issue. We had so many invested players who were dedicated to the program delivery. It was important for me to understand what the grantee (FCC) needed as well. I needed to pivot and still deliver the expectations of my partners and the source of funding. Our strategy forced us to ramp up to wind down!

For federal and state grants, it is extremely rare that guidelines change once a grant agreement is executed but this article does have value in answering the question about changes in general in carrying out a grant once activity has commenced. Keep in mind that as a common approach for almost all federal and state agencies administering grants, there is a recognition that changes can be necessary as a result of "real life experience" during the period of a carrying out a grant. The key for a grant administrator both with the agency and with the stakeholders is to be transparent in communicating which means keeping all informed as to any obstacles, challenges, etc. which can mean changes. You will find that timely sharing is effective.