FAQs on Leftover Grant Funds

Transitioning to the New Operating Model & Closing Bank Accounts 

As part of your transition to becoming a branch, you may need to close your bank account. If you still have unspent grant funds, please read the following carefully and take the steps relevant to your situation. 

Key Responsibilities of the Centre:  

  • The centre that applied for the grant remains legally responsible for the funding agreement, even after transitioning to branch status. 
  • Maintaining transparent communication with the funder is essential. 
  • All accountability reports for grants received prior to becoming a branch must be completed by the centre. Please ensure these remain in your calendar and are not overlooked. 

Unspent Grant Funds:  

If you have remaining funds, consider the following scenarios: 

  • Project Delays: Has the timeline shifted? Please contact the funder to request an extension and to clarify if the grant can be transferred to the national Playcentre Aotearoa account, with invoices paid      from there. If yes, what paperwork do they need? 
  • Project Completion: Is the project finished but came in under budget and you are still holding onto funds? Please complete the accountability and refund the balance before you close your accounts. 
  • Ongoing Work: Are you midway through and still planning to use the funds within the agreed timeframe? Please get in touch with the funder to clarify if the grant can be transferred to the national Playcentre Aotearoa account and invoices paid from there. If yes, what paperwork do they need? 

Grant funding comes with legal and financial obligations, and you must email the funder with a clear explanation of your situation. Await their response before taking further action.  Be sure to CC [email protected] on your email.  

If you need help drafting your message, we have drafted something up that you can adapt to use as you need.

Download it here

Need more help? If you’re unsure about anything, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible. Include as much detail as you can so we can support you effectively.