What is Aftercare (AFC)?
Aftercare is provided either by specialized grant consultancy agencies or institutions responsible for grant implementation (such as national managing authorities). It plays a vital role in minimizing the risk of grant clawbacks resulting from non-compliance with required terms. The process encompasses:
- Project monitoring: A representative from the grant agency serves as a mediator between the recipient and the controlling body. They communicate whether the project is successfully achieving the objectives established in the grant application.
- Issue resolution: The agency provides ongoing support to grant recipients when dealing with unexpected complications, such as scheduling delays or legislative changes.
- Long-term sustainability: Ensuring that the project continues to generate benefits after the funding period ends (for example, maintaining created job positions or keeping infrastructure operational).
- Reporting and audit: The grant agency helps prepare progress and monitoring reports for oversight authorities and ensures compliance with EU regulations.
What Aftercare Prevents:
- Grant clawbacks: If a project fails to meet its binding conditions (such as ineligible expenditure or missing deadlines), the beneficiary risks having to return the financial resources.
- Fines and sanctions: Non-compliance with legal requirements or audit standards can lead to administrative penalties.
- Project failure: Without post-project care and adherence to the targets set out in the feasibility study, the project risks failing its deliverables, making the investment inefficient in the long run.
The main objective of Aftercare assistance is to guarantee the successful fulfillment of project goals, long-term sustainability, and correct implementation even after the formal completion of the project.
