CED CED Community Engagement & Advocacy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'logic model' in the context of a nonprofit program?
- A financial projection tool
- A visual framework linking inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes (Correct answer)
- A board governance document
- A marketing strategy diagram
Correct answer: A visual framework linking inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes
Logic models help organizations plan, communicate, and evaluate programs by mapping how resources and activities lead to intended outcomes.
Question 2: In advocacy, what is a 'call to action' (CTA)?
- A fundraising appeal letter
- A specific request asking supporters to contact legislators or take a defined step (Correct answer)
- A press release announcing a new program
- A board resolution supporting a policy position
Correct answer: A specific request asking supporters to contact legislators or take a defined step
A call to action directs advocates to take a concrete, measurable step — such as calling their senator or signing a petition — to advance a policy goal.
Question 3: What distinguishes 'lobbying' from 'advocacy' for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit?
- Advocacy is illegal for nonprofits while lobbying is permitted
- Lobbying is direct attempts to influence legislation while advocacy is broader public education and awareness (Correct answer)
- They are legally identical under IRS rules
- Lobbying applies only to state law while advocacy applies only to federal law
Correct answer: Lobbying is direct attempts to influence legislation while advocacy is broader public education and awareness
The IRS permits 501(c)(3) nonprofits to engage in advocacy broadly but limits lobbying activities to an insubstantial portion of activities.
Question 4: What is 'coalition building' in nonprofit advocacy?
- Merging with a competing nonprofit
- Forming alliances with other organizations to amplify collective impact on shared policy goals (Correct answer)
- Hiring a lobbying firm
- Building a donor advisory council
Correct answer: Forming alliances with other organizations to amplify collective impact on shared policy goals
Coalitions allow nonprofits to pool resources, expand reach, and present a unified voice to policymakers on issues of common concern.
Question 5: What is a 'needs assessment' in community engagement?
- A financial audit of community programs
- A systematic process to identify gaps between current conditions and desired outcomes in a community (Correct answer)
- A survey of volunteer satisfaction
- An evaluation of board performance
Correct answer: A systematic process to identify gaps between current conditions and desired outcomes in a community
Needs assessments gather data from community members, stakeholders, and secondary sources to inform program design and resource allocation.
Question 6: In community outreach, what does 'asset-based community development' (ABCD) emphasize?
- Seeking external government funding
- Building on existing community strengths and resources rather than focusing on deficits (Correct answer)
- Addressing community problems through top-down planning
- Prioritizing infrastructure investment over social programs
Correct answer: Building on existing community strengths and resources rather than focusing on deficits
ABCD shifts the focus from what a community lacks to what it already has — skills, networks, and institutions — as the foundation for sustainable development.
CED CED Community Engagement & Advocacy 1
What is a 'logic model' in the context of a nonprofit program?