Frequently Asked Questions
Payment and Finance
Q When will I get my next payment?
A When we have received your completed monitoring report and it has been signed off as complete. For information regarding Monitoring Report deadlines please see the key dates section (link)
Q How long will I have to wait for the money once I have received confirmation that the monitoring report has been accepted?
A The A4e finance department has allotted staff time to Connecting Communities Plus each Wednesday, you should not therefore wait any longer than a working week for your payment.
Q What if I under spend funds on one or more of the project budget headings?
A Call your designated Grant Manager – If you feel that there is opportunity to move amounts up to £500 from one previously agreed heading to another, simply seek verbal approval from your Grant Manager. In cases of more than £500, or if you are wanting to create new areas of spend (budget headings) firstly talk to your grant manager who will advise you whether or not to seek approval, which will need to be done in writing. If at the end of a particular quarter you have unspent monies, we will work with you to find any appropriate ways in which these can be spent so that any unspent funds are utilised in ways that remain within the ethos of your project, or complement your projects activities. Please remember, failure to seek approval from your grant manager or inappropriate use of the funds outside of the spirit of your work funded under CC Plus may lead to the loss of that funding.
Q Is there extra monies available if our project over spends?
A In short – no, the entire budget originally made available from the Government has been allocated to successful projects. Organisations must take full responsibility for the amount they spend against their allocated budget. If you feel you need extra financial resources for any part of your project please alert your grant manager as soon as possible and they will support you to take steps to try and secure alternative funding from other sources.
Publicity
Q What do Communities and Local Government (CLG) expect from us regarding their brand and any project publicity?
A CLG expects all successful projects to promote the Connecting Communities Plus programme and itself it a positive manner at all times.
In terms of your publicity materials i.e. job adverts, leaflets and brochures etc you should ensure that the logo you have been provided with is incorporated. A briefing paper on this is being produced by CLG. This does not mean to say that you have to support all government policies etc, but you should recognise fairly the source of funding you have received.
Q What do we do if we need any publicity support, i.e., project launch or event or press coverage?
A Firstly contact your Grant Manager. Your Grant Manager will try to offer support and advice wherever possible – including seeking the input of CLG where necessary.
Monitoring
Q How often will our project be monitored?
A Quarterly (one every 3 months). You will receive your monitoring reports two weeks prior to the end of the quarter. You will then be given approximately two weeks to complete and return it.
Q What will happen if I don’t return my Monitoring Report on time?
A Your next payment may be delayed. We cannot pay your next instalment until your Monitoring Report is signed off.
Q What if we don’t feel able to complete our monitoring report?
A Call your designated grant manager, (see key contacts). At A4e we will do everything we possibly can to help you.
Q What if our project is not achieving its outputs?
A Firstly, you should not wait until formal monitoring to alert your grant manager to any issues or problems your project may be experiencing. You can call for advice and or help at any time. If at formal monitoring there is any underachievement, simply state the reason why and how you intend to address it in the space provided. Your grant manager will contact you if they have any concerns. Similarly if you overachieve, state why you believe the project is doing so well.
Strategic Partners 
Q Who should we contact regarding policy issues?
A As the Race Equality & Diversity Division (REDD) is keen to develop a strong relationship with all of its strategic partners, a dedicated Policy lead has been appointed for each strategic grant holder. Your Policy lead will be available to advise on policy and strategic direction throughout the Connecting Communities Plus programme. They will be meeting with you at regular intervals (4 monthly) to discuss your achievements and any issues that may have arisen in line with the agreement workplan and memorandum of understanding. This will be an opportunity for you to raise concerns and inform the policy lead of recent developments as well as to debate issues of mutual interest.
Q Who should we contact for technical (e.g. relating to monitoring or payment processes/procedures)?
A To support the relationship with your Policy lead, A4e will be responsible for administering the technical aspects of the grant distribution process and for maintaining the formal monitoring reports. The A4e Project Manager, Matt James, is responsible for the Connecting Communities Plus strategic programme, and will therefore be your main source of support for any technical (e.g. relating to monitoring or payment processes/procedures) questions or queries that you may have, and will be attending the regular 4 monthly meetings in support of the REDD policy lead. To contact Matt, please see the Key Contacts page.