Grants and Contributions in Support of Resettlement Assistance Program - Individual Transitional Support

Grants and Contributions in Support of Resettlement Assistance Program - Individual Transitional Support is sponsored by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This program provides transitional financial support and immediate and essential services to eligible resettled refugees. It aims to provide direct financial support and fund the provision of immediate and essential services to eligible recipients.

Grants and Contributions in Support of Resettlement Assistance Program - Canada. ca Grants and Contributions in Support of Resettlement Assistance Program Program Name: Grants and Contributions in Support of Resettlement Assistance Program Category: Grant and Contribution Department: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Last Updated: May 1, 2026 1. 1.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (hereinafter referred to as the Department) derives its authority for the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) from the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). 1. 2.

The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (hereinafter referred to as the Minister) is also authorized by Cabinet to provide resettlement assistance to persons admitted under public policy considerations as set out in IRPA. 1. 3.

In addition, the Minister, with the approval of the Governor in Council, may enter into an agreement with the government of a foreign state or with an international organization, as well as with the government of any province for the purposes of the Act. 2. Purpose and Objectives 2.

1.

The purpose of RAP is to: provide direct financial support and fund the provision of immediate and essential services to eligible recipients as listed in Section 4A of these terms and conditions, hereinafter referred to as “RAP clients”; and fund refugee resettlement activities and services for clients identified in Section 4B of these terms and conditions; provide transitional financial assistance to a class of recipients who are temporary residents per the terms that may be set out in an Annex to these terms and conditions.

2. 2.

RAP contributes to the objectives of Sections 3(2) (b), 3(1) (a) and 3(1) (e) of IRPA, to respectively: “Fulfill Canada’s international legal obligations with respect to refugees and affirm Canada’s commitment to international efforts to provide assistance to those in need of resettlement;” “Permit Canada to pursue the maximum social, cultural and economic benefits of immigration” and “Promote the successful integration of permanent residents into Canada while recognizing that integration involves mutual obligations for new immigrants and Canadian society”.

2. 3. The expected outcomes for the Refugee Resettlement Program include timely protection of resettled refugees, meeting the immediate and essential needs of RAP clients and ensuring that resettled refugees have the tools to live independently in Canadian society, while contributing to the departmental ultimate result of resettled refugees living independently in Canadian society.

Outcomes in relation to the Annex to these terms and conditions include one-time transitional support to certain classes of recipients who are temporary residents to aid in meeting their immediate and essential needs on arrival in Canada. Performance Measurement Strategy 2. 4.

The Refugee Resettlement Program Performance Information Profile (PIP) contains a logic model, on-going performance measurement (PM) indicators and a reporting schedule for the Refugee Resettlement Program. The PM indicators will measure the success of the program in achieving the expected immediate, intermediate and ultimate outcomes for the program.

Key PM indicators include the number of resettled refugee admissions to Canada, number of clients served by RAP services, the extent to which RAP services were useful and accessible, and the extent to which stakeholders (IRCC, service providers, RAP clients) report that the immediate and essential needs of RAP clients were met.

PM information will be collected through IRCC’s Immigration Contribution Agreement Reporting Environment (iCARE), IRCC’s Global Case Management System (GCMS) and through a combination of surveys with Refugee Resettlement Program stakeholders to be administered by the Department. 3. Eligible Services/Initiatives/Projects A.

Individual Income Support (Contribution) administered directly by the Department available to eligible RAP clients for up to 12 months if the RAP client’s income is insufficient to provide for their needs and/or the needs of their dependants B.

Grants and Contributions to Service Provider Organizations (Grant and Contribution) There are two categories of Service Provider Organizations (SPOs): domestic, located in Canada outside Quebec international, located outside Canada Domestically, RAP is primarily used in the operations of reception facilities that provide services to address the immediate and essential needs of RAP clients.

These services are directly administered by SPOs that have a signed contribution agreement with the Department. Funds are also used to support indirect services that support refugees, including the provision of information and training needs of refugee sponsorship community under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.

Internationally, RAP provides funds to SPOs located outside Canada to support identification, referral and pre-departure services that include travel and admissibility costs for eligible RAP clients and individuals identified for resettlement to Canada, and other activities such as developing cultural profiles as required.

In addition, the Department may fund projects, workshops, or conferences which aim to improve the delivery of RAP services. These activities are delivered primarily by service providers through a contribution agreement. C.

Blended Sponsorship Initiatives (Contribution) In addition to the Joint Assistance Sponsorship, the Department enters into blended initiatives that involve a sponsorship undertaken jointly by the Department and a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, Group of Five, or Community Sponsor (hereinafter referred to as Eligible Sponsors), whereby both the Department and the Eligible Sponsor share support for the Privately Sponsored Refugee (PSR).

The Eligible Sponsor has the responsibility for the reception and settlement assistance for the PSR for the term of the sponsorship. The period and extent of the financial support that each party contributes is established with the agreement of both parties. Part A.

Individual Income Support (Contribution) 4.

1A Eligible recipients of income support are RAP clients, more precisely defined as persons who are: permanent residents admitted to Canada, or temporary residents who are issued a permit under section 24 of IRPA who, respectively, have been determined to be or who initially applied for admission to Canada as members of the Convention refugees abroad class or the humanitarian protected persons abroad class where one of the following applies: Selected on the basis that assistance will be provided by a government resettlement assistance program; or Selected as part of the Joint Assistance Sponsorship Program persons who were members of the protected temporary residents class who become permanent residents under section 151.

1 of the Regulations; or permanent residents admitted to Canada who were granted permanent residence under section 25. 1 of IRPA on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Eligibility for RAP is restricted to foreign nationals who are in urgent need of protection and who, if not for the fact that they have been unable to leave their country of origin, would otherwise meet the criteria as a member of the Convention refugees abroad class.

Note: Delegated authority for approval of RAP funding for these persons is restricted to Directors General; or permanent residents admitted to Canada, who were granted permanent residence under section 25. 2 of IRPA as part of a group under public policy established by the Minister on unique and compelling humanitarian situations and where no other means of financial support is available.

Note: The approval of RAP funding for these persons will be at the discretion of the Minister, only where the group has demonstrated settlement needs that are comparable to that of Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) (e.g., little or no financial resources; low levels of literacy; and life-skills training); or permanent and temporary residents admitted to Canada who applied for admission to Canada as members of any future humanitarian-protected person abroad class.

until December 31, 2024, spouses or common law partners of RAP-eligible Principal Applicants who would not otherwise be eligible for RAP income support due to their immigration status may be considered dependents if they arrive in Canada as part of an emergency movement with the Principal Applicant and demonstrate settlement needs comparable to their family members, including having little or no financial resources. 4.

2A RAP clients must reside, during the eligible period, in a province where the federal government administers RAP in order to remain eligible for assistance. 4. 3A Privately Sponsored Refugees who are not part of the Joint Assistance Program may be considered for income support but only under exceptional circumstances such as where there has been a sponsorship breakdown.

4. 4A Privately Sponsored Refugees may receive eligible RAP services as defined in 5. B.

4. 5A Applicants (including their family members), who have been determined by an Officer to meet the definition of convention refugee under s. 96 of Immigration and Refugee Protection Act , or who are determined by an Officer to be a member of the country of asylum class as set out in s.

147 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), applying for permanent residence, or admitted to Canada as a permanent resident, relying on the Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP) or similar future programs aimed at facilitating admission of refugees to Canada through non-refugee immigration programs, may receive RAP services defined in 5. 1B and in 5. 2B (a, b, d, g, h, i, j and r).

5A. Eligible Expenditures 5. 1A Individual income support provides RAP clients with funds to enable them to acquire goods and services to meet their basic needs including, but not limited to: 5.

2A Eligible expenditures also include miscellaneous disbursements made to a third party on behalf of a RAP client to cover shelter, basic furniture and exceptional costs such as administrative costs associated with guardianship/trusteeship procedures for separated minors, incompetent adult RAP clients, as well as funeral costs. 5.

3A Medical needs not fully covered through other sources, which directly impact the RAP clients’ health and safety such as significant and long-term medical care not covered by provincial or territorial health programs. 6A. Determination of Contribution Amount 6.

1A Contributions for income support aim to be in accordance with the prevailing provincial social assistance rates available in the RAP client's province of residence. Provincial social assistance programs normally stipulate approved rates for housing costs (rent) and basic needs (food, and essential incidentals) and vary for specific household sizes. 6.

2A The Department determines other income support amounts by setting national rates for allowances. This includes, but is not limited to, the one-time start-up allowance for household staples or the monthly maternity allowance. 6.

3A Exceptional circumstances impacting a RAP client’s health and safety, such as significant and long term medical care not covered by provincial or territorial health programs, may justify higher contributions for income support. Medical needs partially covered by other sources may also justify higher contributions for income support in limited circumstances. 7A.

Maximum Amount Payable 7. 1A Subject to 7. 2A, the maximum contribution for a RAP client shall not exceed $85,000 per year.

7. 2A The maximum contribution for a RAP client deemed as exceptional (as defined in 6. 3A) on a case-by-case basis by departmental officials shall not exceed $150,000 per year, subject to Ministerial approval.

8. 1A Contributions for income support will normally be made on a monthly basis. 8.

2A Contributions for income support may be made to RAP clients for the following: an initial period of up to 12 months commencing from the date of the RAP client’s arrival in Canada or until such time as the RAP client’s income is sufficient to meet his or her own needs and the needs of any dependants, whichever event occurs first; or in the case of RAP clients who are deemed by departmental officials to have higher needs (e.g., Joint Assistance Sponsorship cases), the maximum contribution period as described in (a) may be extended for an additional 12 months; or in the case of separated minors, the initial contribution period may be extended for up to 24 months or until the beneficiary has reached the age of majority in their province of residence, whichever event occurs first; or in exceptional circumstances where there is a Sponsorship Agreement Holder sponsorship breakdown commencing from the date of the breakdown and continuing throughout the balance of the sponsorship period, such period being defined in the undertaking provided to the Minister, or until such time as a PSR’s income is sufficient to meet his or her own needs and the needs of any dependants, whichever event occurs first 8.

3A Contributions for income support for which the RAP client was not entitled shall be considered debts due to the Crown. 9A. Required Information from Applicant and Assessment Criteria 9.

1A Persons eligible for RAP do not apply for income support. They are selected overseas on the basis that such assistance will be provided to them in preparation for departure to Canada and upon arriving in Canada. A departmental official will verify the eligibility and identity of the individual.

10A. Reporting Requirements 10. 1A RAP clients will be asked to participate in a voluntary survey to determine how useful and accessible RAP services were, the extent to which RAP services met their immediate and essential needs, as well as whether clients were linked to settlement and other government services, non-government and community services.

Part B. Grants and Contributions to Service Providers (Grants and Contributions) 4. 1B Eligible recipients under this section (see sections 4.

2B and 4. 3B) may provide services to RAP clients as defined in section 4A, services to individuals identified for resettlement to Canada (including individuals being considered for selection as well as those who have already been approved for resettlement to Canada), applicants (including their family members), who have been determined by an Officer to meet the definition of convention refugee under s.

96 of IPRA, or who are determined by an Officer to be a member of the country of asylum class as set out in s. 147 of IRPR, applying for permanent residence, or admitted to Canada as a permanent resident, relying on the EMPP or similar future programs aimed at facilitating admission of refugees to Canada through non-refugee immigration programs and indirect services that support PSRs and Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVORs). 4.

2B Grant agreements can be signed with intergovernmental and international organizations to provide services to RAP clients and individuals identified for resettlement to Canada, and to applicants (including their family members), who have been determined by an Officer to meet the definition of convention refugee under s. 96 of IRPA, or who are determined by an Officer to be a member of the country of asylum class as set out in s.

147 of IRPR, applying for permanent residence, or admitted to Canada as a permanent resident, relying on the EMPP or similar future programs aimed at facilitating admission of refugees to Canada through non-refugee immigration programs. 4.

3B Contribution agreements can be signed with the following eligible recipients to provide services to RAP clients (including indirect services to refugees) and individuals identified for resettlement to Canada, and to applicants (including their family members), who have been determined by an Officer to meet the definition of convention refugee under s.

96 of the IRPA, or who are determined by an Officer to be a member of the country of asylum class as set out in s.

147 of the IRPR, applying for permanent residence, or admitted to Canada as a permanent resident, relying on the EMPP or similar future programs aimed facilitating admission of refugees to Canada through non-refugee immigration programs: not for profit organizations and associations, including non-governmental organizations, community groups and umbrella organizations intergovernmental and international organizations Canadian educational institutions (including boards, districts and divisions) provincial, territorial or municipal governments individual Canadian citizens (e.g., consultants, facilitators) 4.

4B Note : For grants and contributions agreements with international organizations and provincial governments the approval of an order in council is required. 5B. Eligible Services/Expenditures 5.

1B Grant agreements may be made towards the following eligible services that may be provided to RAP clients and individuals who are identified for resettlement to Canada: refugee identification, assessment and referrals pre-departure refugee resettlement activities and services for individuals identified for resettlement to Canada interpretation and translation services transportation services outside of Canada meals and temporary accommodation services facilities for refugee processing (e.g., interviews) pre-embarkation health checks administrative support completing IRCC application forms any other justifiable service deemed appropriate to support clients in the resettlement process 5.

2B Contribution agreements may be made towards the following eligible services that may be provided to RAP clients, individuals who are identified for resettlement to Canada, and indirect services that support refugees in Canada: refugee identification, assessment and referrals pre-departure refugee resettlement activities and services for individuals identified for resettlement to Canada port of entry services (assist with processing at port-of-entry and the issuance of clothing for winter arrivals) (includes PSRs) interpretation and translation services orientation sessions and assistance with locating permanent accommodation transportation services within Canada (e.g., transport from the airport to temporary accommodation, and transport to permanent accommodations) transportation services outside of Canada meals and temporary accommodation services internationally pre-embarkation health checks administrative support in completing IRCC application forms temporary accommodation services immediately upon arrival temporary allowance to meet basic needs, including food or the means to acquire it information on, and links to, mandatory federal and provincial programs assistance in acquiring basic knowledge of everyday life skills, as required assessment and referrals to other settlement programs, and community based services support services that enable clients to access services (e.g., child care) indirect services that support PSRs (e.g., funding for resources and training for sponsors that helps build their capacity to support PSRs in Canada) any other justifiable service deemed appropriate to support clients in the resettlement process, sponsors to sponsor refugees for resettlement to Canada, or support the objectives of RAP such as engaging in research projects and other initiatives intended to support and improve the program 5.

3B Grant agreements may be made towards activities related to eligible services and could encompass the following expenditures that are determined to be reasonable and essential: salaries, wages and related benefits for staff related to RAP and resettlement training and professional development travel, accommodation and other cost related to the program activities for employees and volunteers, where applicable delivery assistance tools and material such as textbooks and other instructional material, supplies, telephone, postage, printing and duplication cost associated with research, conferences, workshops, and publicity legal costs such as determining best interest and guardianship of minors overhead costs including rental of space and/or equipment, and certain routine maintenance of accommodation space capital expenditures deemed by the Department to be necessary costs that the service provider expects to incur as capital assets purchased and/or leased (e.g., computers, furniture, and other tangible property).

This includes leasehold improvements, and costs for arrangements and devices for RAP clients and individuals identified for resettlement with disabilities. Necessary capital expenditures approved by the Department, of up to 15% of the total value of the grant agreement are allowed. Capital expenditures cannot exceed 50% of the total grant amount in any given fiscal year.

pre-departure temporary accommodation costs cost of meals or providing the means to obtain food elsewhere cost of transportation related to pre-departure processing any other justifiable expenditure deemed appropriate to support the eligible services 5.

4B Contribution agreements may be made towards activities related to eligible services and could encompass the following expenditures that are determined to be reasonable and essential: salaries, wages and related benefits for staff related to RAP and resettlement training and professional development travel, accommodation and other cost related to the program activities for employees and volunteers, where applicable delivery assistance tools and material such as textbooks and other instructional material, supplies, telephone, postage, printing and duplication cost associated with research, conferences, workshops and publicity development of training materials, curricula, or other resources legal costs such as determining best interest and guardianship of minors cost associated with administration and audits overhead costs including rental of space and/or equipment, and certain routine maintenance of accommodation space capital expenditures deemed by the Department to be necessary costs that the service provider expects to incur as capital assets purchased and/or leased (e.g., computers, furniture and other tangible property).

This includes leasehold improvements, and costs for arrangements and devices for RAP clients with disabilities. Necessary capital expenditures approved by the Department, of up to 15% of the total value of the contribution agreement are allowed. Capital expenditures cannot exceed 50% of the total contribution amount in any given fiscal year.

(Note: The portion related to arrangements and devices for RAP clients and individuals identified for resettlement with disabilities cannot exceed $10,000 per disabled client up to a maximum of $100,000 per year per agreement unless otherwise approved by the Department to respond to RAP clients’ needs) temporary accommodations costs (commercial and reception house format) associated with maintaining a facility to house and feed RAP clients prior to placement in permanent accommodation cost of temporary allowance given to RAP clients cost of meals for RAP clients and individuals identified for resettlement to Canada or providing them with the means to obtain food elsewhere cost of transportation within Canada, and cost of transportation related to pre-departure processing any other justifiable expenditure deemed appropriate to support the eligible services 5.

5B In addition to the above expenditures, the following may also be covered for eligible clients who have higher settlement needs, under RAP: admissibility costs (e.g., medical examinations when RAP client is outside of Canada, processing, travel documents or exit visas) transportation costs including costs associated with obtaining transportation from point of embarkation to the point of final destination in Canada; and reasonable expenses incurred during the course of the journey 5.

6B Note : The Department does not intend to provide grant or contribution agreements for the purpose of generating profits or increasing the value of a business. Profit is neither a “cost” nor “expenditure” and therefore may not be included in the eligible costs. Unless specifically allowed in the contribution agreement, no user fees can be charged to recipients for services funded by IRCC.

6B. Determination of Grant or Contribution Mechanism and Amount 6. 1B The determination of the amount of a grant or contribution is based on financial need of the organization, in accordance with the assessment criteria (section 9.

2B of these terms and conditions). Funding will be provided only at the minimum level required for the activity or project. The Program retains the right to provide partial funding for an activity or project.

This determination will be based on: level of funding needed to achieve expected results volume of applications received volume of referrals required, as determined by IRCC anticipated number of arrivals of RAP clients 6. 2B Generally, a grant can be used when the Department has a high level of confidence in a recipient’s ability to deliver results without extensive oversight.

Grants can be used when a recipient meets the following criteria. Per section 4. 2B, use of grants are limited to intergovernmental and international organizations.

Acceptable level of project risk determined by assessment of the applicant’s track record in delivering similar results to Canada and/or other countries. The applicant has demonstrated capacity to deliver activities and achieve desired results The applicant has previous relationship with IRCC and a good track record managing Government of Canada funding. 6.

3B A contribution can be used when the Department prefers to retain oversight over a recipient’s spending in order to ensure results are achieved and to safeguard the use of public funds in a manner that is sensitive to risks. Section 4. 3B identifies which recipients are eligible for a contribution agreement.

7B. Maximum Amount Payable 7. 1B The maximum amount payable to each eligible recipient for all Resettlement Assistance Program funding agreements shall not exceed the per fiscal year limits indicated below.

There are two categories of maximum amount payable by eligible recipient: Special measures in support of the Department's involvement in urgent and/or large-scale resettlement initiatives related to Convention refugees or persons in similar circumstances to those of Convention refugees, who are eligible for RAP under the Program Terms and Conditions.

Special measures may only be applied following approval by the Assistant Deputy Ministers with oversight of the RAP program and the Chief Financial Officer, with a confirmed source of funding for a defined period of time.

Eligible Type of Recipients Not for profit organizations including non-governmental organizations, non-profit corporations, community groups, umbrella organizations, and regulatory bodies and apprenticeship authorities Intergovernmental or international organizations 8. 1B Grants will be paid in installments unless the full amount is required to meet the objectives of the project. 8.

2B There are no restrictions to the number of approved projects an eligible recipient may hold at any one time. 8. 3B Both single year and multi-year projects may be funded, subject to program criteria and cycles.

8. 4B Grants may be up to five years in duration. 8.

5B Grants could be cancelled if the recipient does not meet the terms of the agreement. 8. 6B Payments of contributions will be made as reimbursements of eligible costs incurred by the recipient and will be based on the presentation of acceptable claims and progress reports, in accordance with the terms of the contribution agreement.

Agreements may be up to five years in duration. Advance payments will also be used. 8.

7B At the time of claiming final payment, or at the end of each year in the case of a multi-year agreement, the recipient must provide an accounting statement and a final detailed report on the achievement of the objectives outlined in the agreement. Holdbacks will also be used in the payment of contributions. 8.

8B In support of Canada’s involvement in urgent initiatives related to refugees, reimbursements may be made for costs incurred prior to the signature/start date of the agreement only in cases where there is a provision in the agreement. In these circumstances, costs will be eligible for reimbursement as of the date Canada announces its involvement in the urgent initiative, for a maximum funding of the contribution agreement value. 9B.

Required Information from Applicant and Assessment Criteria 9.

1B An applicant requesting funding must submit the following: a detailed proposal that may include, but is not limited to: a description of planned activities how these activities will contribute to the expected program outcomes how these activities will link to settlement services and other services in respective jurisdictions (applies to domestic SPOs only) a description of how the activities will support the RAP performance measurement strategy an implementation plan demonstrating the capacity to deliver the proposed services an evaluation that will measure and assess immediate and intermediate outcomes a detailed budget showing all revenues and expenses for the activity/project including a description of how the funding will be used (all items must be described for each year of a multi-year funding agreement) if the applicant is requesting a contribution of over $100,000, the proposed budget will include a statement disclosing funding from other sources for the same activities or eligible costs.

This may also apply when the contribution is $100,000 or less (applies to domestic SPOs only) financial statements for the last two years (annual audited statements as per Generally Accepted Accounting Principles preferred), if applicable documents demonstrating the applicant’s legal constitution; related entities, governance structure and appropriate financial systems and procedures, if applicable disclosure of the involvement of any former public servants who are subject to the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Service assurance that any persons lobbying on their behalf is registered pursuant to the Lobbying Act any other information deemed necessary to assess the proposal 9.

2B The Department may use advisory and consultative mechanisms in order to assess the merits of the proposals submitted.

The following factors will be used by departmental officials when deciding whether or not to recommend approval of the contribution: The applicants’ financial stability, organizational capacity and ability to deliver the planned activities; The planned activities have clear objectives and results, demonstrated need and value, and appropriate level of risk and complexity; and The project budget is realistic and appropriate, costs are eligible and program funding is needed.

9. 3B The Department, after considering and assessing any proposals submitted by prospective recipients, will select the best proposals and may invite those applicants to enter into a contribution agreement with the Department. The final approval of proposals is the responsibility of the Minister who may delegate this authority to appropriate departmental officials.

9. 4B Each approved proposal will be subject to a formal agreement in accordance with the requirements of IRPA and the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Act . 10B.

Reporting Requirements 10. 1B The recipient shall provide to the Department, at such times and in such manner as the Department may specify in the grant agreement, reports describing results achieved to date or such other information that the Department may reasonably request for the purpose of verifying that the project is being implemented in accordance with this grant agreement. 10.

2B RAP recipients that are domestic SPOs will be required to input into the Immigration Contribution Agreement Reporting Environment (iCARE), as well as participate in a survey that will be administered by the Department once per year in order to assess RAP outcomes.

The survey will assess whether RAP services were useful and accessible, as well as if RAP clients were linked to other settlement and government services, non-government and community based services. 10.

3B For recipients that provide indirect services refugees in Canada, including support to individuals or organizations sponsoring refugees for resettlement to Canada under Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program or Blended Visa Office-Referred Program, the recipient shall provide to the Department at such times and in such manner as the Department may specify in the contribution agreement financial and results reports or such other information that the Department may reasonably request for the purpose of verifying that the project is being implemented in accordance with this contribution agreement.

10. 4B For international organizations, the recipient shall provide to the Department, at such times and in such manner as the Department may specify in the contribution agreement, financial and results reports or such other information that the Department may reasonably request for the purpose of verifying that the project is being implemented in accordance with this contribution agreement. 11B.

Redistribution of Contributions 11. 1B In projects involving the further distribution of the contribution by the recipient to a third party organization, the agreement will make clear that the recipient has independence in the choice of those organizations, with minimal guidance from the Department, and will not be acting as the agent for the government in making the distributions.

Third party organizations must be chosen in accordance with contribution agreement requirements and recipients must share third party