Regional Hub Project Funding Scheme - Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about the Ako Aotearoa Regional Hub Project Funding Scheme
- Is the agreed project sum inclusive or exclusive of GST?
- What about overheads?
- Is there a date by which the proposal must be submitted?
- I can’t find information about projects on the website
- Can I resubmit if my proposal is turned down?
- Can I make more than one application at a time?
- Can I apply for concurrent funding from another source?
- What is the time frame for project completion?
- When is project funding paid?
- If I am a first time project applicant does Ako Aotearoa provide support?
- Do I need approval for my project by an ethics committee?
- What does ‘relevant references’ mean?
- Can milestone dates be re-negotiated?
- What steps does Ako Aotearoa take to ensure my project is of high quality?
- What is the purpose of a mentor?
- What is a critical friend?
Is the agreed project sum inclusive or exclusive of GST?
The sum is exclusive of GST. For example, if the agreed sum is $7980, payments will not exceed $8978
It is expected that project funding will not be subjected to organisational overheads.
Is there a date by which the proposal must be submitted?
Applications for funding are accepted at any time. Hubs may however have set specific dates for project proposal acceptance meetings. You should contact your Hub Coordinator/Operations Manager for further details
I can’t find information about projects on the website
The following link will take you to project documentation http://akoaotearoa.ac.nz/regional-hub-project-funding
How long does it take for projects to be approved?
Applicants can expect to receive the approval panel decision within four weeks of submitting their application.
Can I resubmit if my proposal is turned down?
Yes, the approval panel will invite a resubmission if they feel that with some further work the project could qualify for funding
Can I make more than one application at a time?
A person can lead only one project at a time. However you are able to be on other project teams concurrent with leading your own project
Can I apply for concurrent funding from another source?
Applicants should advise if they have also applied for funding from other sources including other Ako Aotearoa funds.
Ako Aotearoa is happy to partner with other funding bodies providing there is clear value added by the funding Ako Aotearoa will provide.
What is the time frame for project completion?
There will be an agreed time limit for completion of the project. For smaller projects this limit will not normally exceed six months.
Payment schedules vary depending on the amount of funding approved. Funding will normally be paid on achievement of Milestones as noted in progress reports (normally three or six monthly). The allocation of funding will be negotiated as part of the funding agreement. However, the final payment (20% of funded amount) will not be made until the project has been signed off as satisfactorily completed by the relevant Hub Advisory Group.
If I am a first time project applicant does Ako Aotearoa provide support?
Support is provided for all projects. This will primarily be the responsibility of the Hub Coordinator/Operations Manager, It would be useful for the Hub Coordinator/Operations Manager to attend at least one meeting of the project team (or teleconference) to establish a relationship and explain the support available.
Do I need approval for my project by an ethics committee?
If you are interviewing students, asking them to complete a questionnaire, or involving learners in your project in any way, there will be ethical issues to consider. This also applies to other colleagues in your own and other organisations. Follow the ethics protocols for your organisation.
What does ‘relevant references’ mean?
Have you investigated current literature sufficiently to know that the project is not duplicating existing research? Has the literature informed the design of this project?
Can milestone dates be re-negotiated?
Every effort should be made to meet your contractural obligations. However, in exceptional circumstances milestone dates may be renegotiated.
What steps does Ako Aotearoa take to ensure my project is of high quality?
Together with regular liaison with the project leader, your completed project is peer-reviewed by the Hub and the National Office. Their review may result in required and suggested changes. The report and deliverables are then sent to the Hub Advisory Group for endorsement.
What is the purpose of a mentor?
A person with project expertise who can help shape the proposal and provide advice and guidance until the completion of the project.
A critical friend is someone you trust to provide independent advice and guidance without the obligation to do the work. That may be another suitably qualified person in your organisation, or, the person might be in some other field of education.