6)

7)

e. Written understanding and agreementthat while the Sponsor maintains responsibility
for the Site’s proper use of members, the Site may be held financially responsible to
AmeriCorps for the inappropriate use of all such VISTA resources by the Site.

The Sponsor retains the responsibility for compliance with this Memorandum of Agreement;
any agreements that it has with Site(s); all applicable regulations; and all applicable policies,
procedures, and program guidance issued by AmeriCorps regarding the VISTA program.
Evidence of each Site’s eligibility to receive VISTA resources must be maintained by the
Sponsor and available for review by AmeriCorps and the AmeriCorps Office of Inspector
General. The Sponsor shall not request or receive any compensation from any Site for
services performed by a member or summer associate. The Sponsor shall not request or
receive application fees or any other compensation from a potential Site or a potential
Service Location as consideration for the Site or Service Location to operate as part of the
Sponsor's project. The Sponsor shall not receive payment from, or on behalf of, any Site for
costs associated with VISTA program assistance, except for reasonable and actual costs
incurred by the Sponsor directly related to the Site’s participation in a VISTA project.

Site Support Payment (SSP). The Sponsor may only receive payment from, or on behalf of,
any Site, for reasonable and actual costs associated with VISTA program assistance incurred
by the Sponsor directly related to the Site's participation in a VISTA project. Thus, Sponsors
may only receive "Site Support Payments" (SSPs) for reasonable and actual costs incurred by
the Sponsor directly related to the Site’s participation in the VISTA project. SSPs may only be
collected by Sponsors for expenses directly attributable to the VISTA projectand that are not
being funded by AmeriCorps via a Support or Program grant. SSPs shall not be collected
for any costs related to the Sponsor's overall operating expenses. SSPs are separate
from, and must be treated separately from, funds that a Sponsor receives from a Site for the
purpose of cost sharing the VISTA living allowance. SSPs may not be required of, or received
from, performance measurement-only Service Locations (described in the Definitions section)
as they do not receive members. The Sponsor must provide a description of each year's
projected SSP in the Intermediary Justification narrative of the project application. The same
SSP information must be included in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with each
Site.

Delegation and Subcontracting. The Sponsor is prohibited from delegating or assigning
any of its obligations or duties contained in this Memorandum of Agreement, with the
exception of delegation or assignment to approved Sites. Members may be assigned by the
Sponsor to perform duties with other eligible public or private non-profit agencies or
organizations (Sites or Service Locations) as described in the Project Application and in
accordance with written MOUs with each Site. AmeriCorps VISTA grant funds, if provided to
the Sponsor, may not be sub-granted to other organizations.

Proper Use of VISTA Resources at All Times. VISTA resources include the time and
activities of the member AmeriCorps assigns to the VISTA Sponsor and supports through
member benefits. The Sponsor is required to ensure that all VISTA resources are properly
used at all times. If AmeriCorps determines that the Sponsor, and/or, if applicable, any Site
of the Sponsor (as described in the Definitions section), has misused VISTA resources in
violation of Federal law, Federal regulation, or the terms or conditions of this Memorandum
of Agreement, the Sponsor and/or the Site may be held financially responsible to reimburse
AmeriCorps for VISTA living allowances, and, ifapplicable, end of service awards and other
AmeriCorps funds provided in support of a member. Whether the Sponsor and/or the Site is

5


5)

6)

7)

b. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical
conduct of sexual nature which have the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating,
hostile or offensive service environment.

c. Acts of sexual harassmenttoward fellow members or non-employees, where the Sponsor,
its agent or its supervisory employees knewor should have known of the conduct, unless
it took immediate and appropriate corrective action.

Supplemental Payments Prohibited. Monetary living (living) allowance rates provided to
members are designed to comply with the statutes governing the VISTA program. Sponsors
and Sites are strictly prohibited from providing members or summer associates with
monetary or other assistance, except as allowable by policies in the VISTA Supervisors’
Manual.

Prohibitions of Use of VISTA Resources by Sponsor. The Sponsor agrees that no member
assigned to the Sponsor, and no other federal financial assistance provided by AmeriCorps,
shall be used to assist, provide, or participate in:

a. Partisan and non-partisan political activities associated with a candidate, including voter
registration, or providing voter transportation to the polls;

b. Direct or indirect attempts to influence passage or defeat of legislation or proposals by
initiative petition;

c. Labor or anti-labor organization or related activities;

d. Religious instruction, worship services, proselytization, or any other religious activity as
part of their duties;

e. Activities or service that would supplant the hiring of or result in the displacement of
employed workers, existing volunteers or impair existing contracts for service;

f. Receiving or accepting compensation from members or from beneficiaries for the
services of members;

g. Requesting, charging, or accepting participation or application fees from potential VISTA
applicants or candidates; or

h. Requiring or accepting project application fees from potential Sites.

Other Prohibited Activities. The Sponsor agrees that it is prohibited from allowing
members assigned to the project to engage in the following activities:

a. Reporting or completing Progress Reports, the VISTA Progress Report Supplement
(VPRS), Continuation applications or Amendments, the Sponsor Verification Report or
other reports and forms required of the Sponsor in eGrants; and

b. Taking actions in any AmeriCorps system on behalf of the Sponsor for any other

AmeriCorps programs, such as applying for and reporting on AmeriCorps grants,

10


require. Those records shall be made available to AmeriCorps andthe AmeriCorps Office of
Inspector General upon request. The Sponsor agrees to retain such records for a period of
three years after completion or termination of the project, or longer if required for
administrative proceedings and/or litigation purposes, and to provide access to such records
to AmeriCorps for the purpose of litigation, audit, or examination.

15) Unscheduled Absences. The Sponsor and/or Site supervisor will report to the appropriate
AmeriCorps Regional Office, within 24 hours, the unscheduled departure of all assigned
members, and otherwise keep AmeriCorps timely informed of unscheduled changes of
status and conditions of members, such as arrests, medical emergencies, hospitalization, and
absence without leave.

16) Days of Service. Should activities be organized in the communities where the members are
assigned for service, the Sponsor will allow assigned members to participate in Days of
Service, e.g., Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and the September 11" National Day of
Service and Remembrance.

17) Removal Requests. The Sponsor will contact their AmeriCorps Portfolio Manager whenever
there is a concern with a member's conduct or performance. If the Sponsor wishes for
AmeriCorps to remove the member from the project, they must submitthat request in writing
including supporting documentation (letter or email). AmeriCorps will promptly respond to
written requests by the Sponsor to remove any member from the project in accordance with
AmeriCorps’ policies and procedures. When warranted, AmeriCorps will effect removals of
members from the Sponsor, and effect early terminations from the VISTA program of its
members. AmeriCorps has the sole authority to remove and terminate members.

18) Close of Service. Forty-five (45) days prior to the end of a member's service term, the
member must complete the Future Plans Form (FPF). The Sponsor must work with the
member(s) to ensure the FPFs are done and when submitted, is required to complete the
Sponsor's section of the FPF within five (5) workdays after receipt. The Sponsor or its Site
supervisors may provide letters of reference to their members.

19) Contact Information. Sponsors will ensure that their contact information in eGrants is kept
up to date, including but not limited to mailing addresses, phone numbers and email
addresses. Intermediary sponsors will also ensure that the contact information for the site
supervisors is kept up to date in the same manner to enable AmeriCorps to reach site
supervisors in the event of an emergency and provide their information to candidates and
members when appropriate.

VI. Reporting Requirements

1) Sponsor Verification Form. On a biweekly basis, the Sponsor must complete and submit the
Sponsor Verification Form within three (3) workdays of receipt to confirm which members
remained active during the previous pay period, and which members left service at the
Sponsor during the previous pay period. If applicable, the Sponsor must indicate the actual
departure date of any member who leaves during the previous pay period ifthe departure is
priorto completion of their service term. This reporting requirement does not replace the
requirement of the Sponsor or its Sites to notify AmeriCorps immediately regarding the


8)

9)

held financially responsible to reimburse AmeriCorps is within AmeriCorps’ complete
discretion.

Recruitment and Recommendation for Selection. The Sponsor will use the AmeriCorps
recruitment system to post service opportunities, review applications and make candidate
recommendations for selection to the AmeriCorps Regional Office, in advance of online
member Orientations. The Sponsor will review and act on all submitted applications, whether
to accept or reject them, in a timely manner. To ensure applicants are suitable for VISTA
service, the Sponsor will interview and screen applicants and verify references prior to
recommending applicants to AmeriCorps for selection.

VISTA Assignment Description (VAD). As part of the recruitment process, the Sponsor will
prepare a VISTA Assignment Description for each VISTA position that is in alignment with the
goals described in the Project Application. Upon the Sponsor's recommendation of an
applicant's selection, and prior to AmeriCorps’ approval of that applicant to be a member,
the Sponsor will assign an approved VAD to the individual.

10) Orientation and Training. The Sponsor will arrange and be responsible for providing in-

depth Site Orientation and Training (SOT) for all incoming members at the beginning of their
service. The Sponsor will assist AmeriCorps, as needed, in the provision of pre-service and in-
service training (online or face-to-face), as specified in the Project Narrative. The Sponsor will
submit SOT plans to the appropriate AmeriCorps Regional Office at least thirty (30) days in
advance of the candidate's first day of service. SOT must begin on the member's first day of
service and be completed within the first four weeks of a member's assignment to the
Sponsor. The Sponsor should provide additional training designed to foster project and
member success and to include professional development throughout the member's
assignment year.

11) Supervision and Project Support. The Sponsor shall supervise all assigned members on a

day-to-day basis, and as described in the Project Narrative. If members are placed at Sites,
the Sponsor shall ensure that each Site organization provides day-to-day supervision and
support. The Sponsor will provide service-related transportation, administrative resources
and other project support needed to successfully conduct the project activities. Service-
related transportation may include mileage reimbursement for the member(s)’ vehicles,
public transportation fares and/or use of vehicles owned or leased by the Sponsor.

12) Health and Safety. The Sponsor shall make every reasonable effort to ensure that the health

and safety of all assigned members are protected during the performance of their assigned
duties. The Sponsor shall not assign or require members to perform duties which would
jeopardize their safety or cause them to sustain injuries. In the event of a serious injury, the
Sponsor shall notify AmeriCorps promptly.

13) Grievance Rights. The Sponsor will comply with all members’ grievance rights and

procedures in accordance with federal law, applicable regulations, and the VISTA member
Handbook. AmeriCorps will provide to Sponsors and Candidates and members information
regarding volunteer discrimination complaint procedures, and grievance procedures, as
provided in federal law, applicable regulations, and the VISTA member Handbook.

14) Record-keeping. The Sponsor shall create and maintain records involving members and the

project, including the tracking of leave taken by assigned members, as AmeriCorps may

6


2)

3)

4)

iv. aclose relative, whether by blood or adoption, (e.g., grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle,
niece, nephew, first cousin), of a member of the board of directors of the specific VISTA Project
or project Site where the member is assigned or reports for service.

b. VISTA Project Supervisory Employees. A project and/or Site employee is prohibited
from holding a VISTA project supervisory position if s/he:

i. is in the immediate family (e.g., spouse, domestic partner, parent, or guardian
whether by blood or adoption, child whether by blood or adoption) of any
AmeriCorps official responsible for the management and/or oversight of the VISTA
Project.

ii. is aclose relative, whether by blood or adoption, (e.g., grandparent, grandchild, aunt,
uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin), of any AmeriCorps official responsible for the
management and/or oversight of the VISTA Project.

iii. is in the immediate family (e.g., spouse, domestic partner, parent, or guardian
whether by blood or adoption, child whether by blood or adoption) of any project
and/or Site employee who holds supervisory authority over him/her; or

iv. is aclose relative, whether by blood or adoption, (e.g., grandparent, grandchild, aunt,
uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin), of any project and/or Site employee who holds
supervisory authority over him/her.

Nondiscrimination. No person with responsibilities in the operation of the project shall
discriminate against any member, or member of the staff, or beneficiary of the project, with
respect to any aspect of the project on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex,
sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, political affiliation, marital or
parental status, or military service.

Ensuring Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities. By signing this MA, the Sponsor
certifies that it has conducted a self-evaluation of its compliance with Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, including thatit has taken all reasonable measures to ensure that
its facilities and all participating Sites are accessible to qualified persons with disabilities,
promotes their equal participation, and does not otherwise discriminate against such persons
based on disability.

Sexual Harassment. Sexual harassmentis a form of discrimination based on sex and that is
prohibited. As the Sponsor of federal resources from AmeriCorps, the Sponsor is
responsible for violations of the prohibition against sexual harassment and for taking
corrective action toward and/or disciplinary action against Sponsor staff or Site staff, if such
violations occur. AmeriCorps is responsible for violations of the prohibition against sexual
harassment and for taking corrective action toward and/or disciplinary action against
members if such violations occur. Such sexual harassment violations include:

a. Acts of “quid pro quo” sexual harassment where a supervisor demands sexual favors for
service benefits, regardless of whether the Sponsor, its agents or supervisory employees
should have known of the acts.


MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT FOR
AMERICORPS VISTA PROJECTS

Effective October 1, 2022

©) AmeriCorps

TABLE OF CONTENTS

|. Purpose of the Memorandum of Agreement (MA) and ProviSiOns ......sssecseecssessssecsseesseessneess 2

Il. Significant Changes from Previous Fiscal Year.

Ill. Definitions
IV. AmeriCorps Responsibilities
V. Sponsor Responsibilities .......cseseecseesessesseesseeseesseesnseseesucsssesseessesnessuesusessesuscsuessnesneeaneeaeesneeseeeneeaneenees

VI. Reporting REQUuIreMeNnt ........ccccesecsseseeseeesesseseeseesesseesssesesesteseessssessssssesseeseeseesessesusseeseesesseesseneie 7
VII. Other Legal Requirement .........scssecssecsseecssessssessssecssesssessssesssseesseesssessssessssesssessssessasesssnesssesssseessees O
VIII. Affiliation with AmeriCorps ....ssscssssssecsssecsssecssesssecsssecsnsecsnsesssessnessnscesnscssnecsssecsnsecanessnecsneseaneeess 12


such general increases, in accordance with the Act and AmeriCorps’ regulations and
procedures.

11) Severability. If any provision of this MA is construed as illegal or invalid, this will not affect
the legality or validity of any of the other provisions contained in this MA. The illegal or
invalid provision will be deemed stricken and deleted from the Agreement to the same
extent and affect as if it never existed, but all other provisions will continue in effect.

12)Termination and Suspension
a. Sponsor: Right to Terminate with Notice. The Sponsor may terminate this MA at any
time by giving at least thirty (30) days’ notice in writing to AmeriCorps of its intent.

b. AmeriCorps: Rightto Terminate or Suspend. AmeriCorps may terminate or suspend
this MA in accordance with applicable terms and procedures set forth in applicable
Federal regulations and 42 U.S.C.§ 5052. The Sponsor understands and agrees that
AmeriCorps may take action to terminate or suspend this MA, or deny renewal of this
MA or VISTA resources, for failure to comply with the applicable terms and conditions
of this MA.

13) Order of Precedence. In the event of inconsistencies or conflicts between the Project
Narrative and the MA, this agreement shall govern.

14) Notices. All notices and communications required to be given to AmeriCorps by the
Sponsor, shall be directed to the AmeriCorps Senior Portfolio Manager or Portfolio Manager.
All notices to be given to the Sponsor by AmeriCorps shall be directed to the Project Director
as indicated in the Project Application.

a. Inthe event that any of the parties or addresses referenced in the above paragraph
change, written notice to all other parties must be provided within seven (7) days of
the change. Such written notice must include the Project Number and Sponsor EIN.
Within seven (7) days of the change, the Sponsor must also update its information in
eGrants, including deactivating staff accounts for individuals no longer working at the
Sponsor's organization.

VIII. Affiliatio

AmeriCorps

1) General Statement. Sponsors of federal agency AmeriCorps assistance or resources shall
identify their programs, projects, or initiatives as AmeriCorps projects accordingly. All
agreements with Sponsors, Sites, or Service Locations, related to AmeriCorps programs and
initiatives must explicitly state that the project is an AmeriCorps project and AmeriCorps
members are the resource being provided.

Similarly, Soonsors and Sponsors shall identify all national service members serving at their
projects as AmeriCorps members.

2) Visual Representations and Prominent Display. Sponsors shall identify their programs,
projects, or initiatives, and their members, through the use of visual representations,
including logos; insignias; written acknowledgements, publications, and other written
materials; websites and social media platforms; and service gear such as clothing. All visual

12


selecting AmeriCorps members, tracking hours, or closing out service terms and granting
AmeriCorps Education Awards.

8) Whistleblower Rights and Remedies for Employees of the Sponsors. The Sponsor is
required to notify all of its employees in writing of employee whistleblower rights and
protections under 41 U.S.C. § 4712, as described at
https://www.americorpsoig.gov/whistleblower-protection. As such, Sponsor is required to
notify all of its employees that they may not be discharged, demoted, or otherwise
discriminated against for disclosing information that an employee reasonably believes is
evidence of:

a. Gross mismanagement or waste of a Federal contract or grant;

b. An abuse of authority relating to a Federal contract or grant (an arbitrary and capricious
exercise of authority that is inconsistent with the mission of AmeriCorps or the successful
performance of a contract or grant of AmeriCorps);

c. Asubstantial and specific danger to public health or safety; or
d. A violation of law, rule, or regulation related to a Federal contract or grant.

The Sponsor is required to notify all of its employees that an employee may disclose
suspected wrongdoing described above to any of the following:

a. The Office of Inspector General at AmeriCorps;
b. An AmeriCorps employee responsible for contract or grant oversight or management;

c. A management official or other employee of the Sponsor who has the responsibility to
investigate, discover, or address misconduct, or;

d. An authorized official of the U.S. Department of Justice or other law enforcement agency,
a member of Congress, or a representative of a committee of Congress, or the
Government Accountability Office (GAO).

The Sponsor is required to notify all of its employees in writing that if an employee believes that
he or she has been subjected to reprisal for disclosed wrongdoing described above, the
employee may submita complaintto the AmeriCorps OIG within three (3) years of the date on
which the alleged reprisal took place.

9) Amendments. This Memorandum of Agreement may be amended at any time, in writing, by
authorized representatives of the Sponsor, and the appropriate AmeriCorps Senior Portfolio
Manager.

10) Increases in VISTA Payment Amounts during This Memorandum of Agreement. The
parties to this MA are cognizant of the likelihood of future area-based “cost-of-living”
increases to subsistence allowances, to which members would be entitled, in the course of
their service at the Sponsor. The parties specifically intend that their respective obligations to
pay, or reimburse amounts paid to, members shall reflect and be adjusted to account for

11


departure (e.g., early termination, AWOL) of any of its members. The Sponsor must certify the
Form even if no members left/leave during the pay period covered by the Form.

2) Project Progress Reports. The Sponsor will submit Project Progress Reports within the
required time frame.

3) VISTA Progress Report Supplement (VPRS). The Sponsor will submit the VPRS within the
required time frame, generally 30-45 days after the end of the federal fiscal year or after the
project closes, as directed by the Region Office.

4) Federal Financial Report (FFR): If awarded a Support or Program grant, the Sponsor will
submit the required FFRs within the required time frame as described in the separate Notice
of Grant Award (NGA).

VII. Other Legal Requirements

1) Status of Members during Service. Members are eligible for all benefits and coverage
provided to them under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (the Act), including the
“income disregard” provisions as set forth at 42 U.S.C. § 5044 of the Act; the Federal
Employees Compensation Act (FECA); and the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

Members shall not be considered employees of the Sponsor. Members are deemed
employees of the federal government only for those limited purposes identified at 42 U.S.C.
§ 5055 of the Act.

Prohibition on Nepotism. To avoid actual or apparent nepotism in the operation of VISTA projects,
the following assignment arrangements are prohibited:

a. Members. A member cannot be assigned to a VISTA project Site if they are:

in the immediate family (e.g., spouse, domestic partner, parent, or guardian whether
by blood or adoption, child whether by blood or adoption) of a staff member involved
in the management or operation of the project or project Site, or of an AmeriCorps
staff member in the applicable Regional Office who makes decisions or takes actions
regarding the project or the Site;

ii. a close relative, whether by blood or adoption, (e.g., grandparent, grandchild, aunt,
uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin), of a staff member involved in the management or
operation of the project or project Site, or of an AmeriCorps staff member in the
applicable Regional Office who makes decisions or takes actions regarding the
project or the Site;

iii. inthe immediate family (e.g., spouse, domestic partner, parent, or guardian whether
by blood or adoption, child whether by blood or adoption) of a member of the board
of directors of the specific VISTA Project or project Site where the member is assigned
or reports for service;


include monitoring and/or onsite visits and interviews with Sponsor staff, Site staff and the
members.

6) Communication with Sponsor. AmeriCorps will provide the Sponsor timely information
concerning applicable AmeriCorps and VISTA regulations, policies, and procedures.

7) Project Support. AmeriCorps will provide technical assistance to the Sponsor and, subject to
the availability of funds, conduct training for the Sponsor's Project Director and/or
Supervisor(s).

8) Removal and Termination. AmeriCorps will promptly respond to written requests by the
Sponsor to remove any member from the project in accordance with VISTA regulations,
policies, and procedures. AmeriCorps will effect removals of members from Sponsors, and
effect early terminations from the VISTA program. AmeriCorps has sole authority and
responsibility to effect a member's removal from a Sponsor and termination from the VISTA
program.

V. Sponsor Responsibilities

1) Project Operation Requirements. The Sponsor will operate the project in accordance with
the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (“the Act"), applicable regulations and program
policies, and other Federal legal requirements that are, or become, applicable to the VISTA
program. The Sponsor will also operate the project in accordance with the approved Project
Application. The Sponsor will also engage in best efforts to accomplish the goals set out for
the members in the Project Application and comply with the Certifications and Assurances
included within the Project Application.

2) Community Involvement. To the maximum extent practicable, the Sponsor and each of its
Sites will consult with and involve the people of the community or communities to be served
by members in planning, developing, and implementing the project.

3) Project Director/Supervisor and Site Supervisor Training. Subject to the availability of
funds, AmeriCorps will conduct training for the Sponsor's Project Director and/or
Supervisor(s). In such case, the Sponsor shall ensure that the individual named in the Project
Application as the Project Director/Supervisor participates in such training and shall ensure
the training of Site supervisors with the support of the AmeriCorps Regional Office.

4) Intermediary Projects. The Sponsor may carry out a VISTA project through, in part, one or
more Sites. The Sponsor must enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with each
Site that is a separate legal entity. The MOU must have at least the following elements:

a. Written understanding and agreementthat the Site is required to properly ensure that
all VISTA resources are used to carry out the VISTA project in conformity with all
applicable AmeriCorps laws, regulations, policies, procedures, program guidance
and the MA Provisions;

b. Responsibilities of the parties and other program requirements;

Policies and procedures regarding requesting removal of members;

Records to be kept and reports on project and member progress to be submitted;

and

ao

4


6. Applicant and Candidate are used to refer to individuals seeking to enroll in the VISTA program
operated by AmeriCorps. An applicant is an individual who has applied to one (1) or more
VISTA service opportunities created by the Sponsor and is awaiting further action on their
application. A candidate is an individual who is recommended by the Sponsor to be selected to
serve in the VISTA program and whose completed application has been approved by
AmeriCorps. Neither an applicant nor a candidate is a member, and neither an applicant nor a
candidate is currently enrolled in the VISTA program.

7. Member refers to an individual that has taken the Oath of VISTA service andis currently enrolled
for a full term of service in the VISTA program operated by AmeriCorps.

8. Summer Associate refers to an individual that has taken the Oath of VISTA service and is
currently enrolled for a summer term of service in the VISTA program operated by AmeriCorps.

IV. AmeriCorps Responsibilities

1) Recommendation and Selection. Following the Sponsor's recommendation for selection,
the AmeriCorps Regional Office reviews the Applicant's application, subject to suitability and
eligibility requirements and the availability of funds. AmeriCorps selects and assigns
individuals to serve as members with the Sponsor's project. Only AmeriCorps has the
authority to select and assign candidates, and all candidate selections and assignments are at
the discretion of AmeriCorps.

2) VISTA Assignment Description (VAD). Each member has a VISTA Assignment Description
(VAD) that sets forth the scope of VISTA activities that the member is expected to perform
during their service term at the Sponsor. As part of the recruitment process, the Sponsor will
prepare a VAD for each VISTA position that is in alignment with the goals described in the
Project Application. While VADs may be developed and proposed by the Sponsor, all VADs
must be reviewed and approved by AmeriCorps.

3) Orientation and Training. AmeriCorps will provide candidates an online member
Orientation at the start of the service term and may provide additional training later in the
service year. The Sponsor will provide Site Orientation and Training (SOT) for members, and
in-service training (online or in person), as specified in the Project Narrative.

During the member Orientation, which includes two extended webinars, AmeriCorps will
provide information regarding volunteer discrimination complaint rights and procedures and
grievance rights and procedures, in accordance with federal law and applicable regulations.
Prior to the member Orientation webinars, and throughout the service term, AmeriCorps will
make available to all candidates and members the VISTA member Handbook.

4) Member Benefits. AmeriCorps will provide members with any benefits to which each is
eligible, as prescribed by statute and VISTA program policy. Depending on the eligibility
and circumstances of each member, benefits may include a living allowance, relocation
assistance, an end of service award, health benefits and childcare coverage.

5) Oversight. AmeriCorps will periodically review the use of its members to achieve the
objectives and perform the task(s) specified in the Project Application. This review may

3


|. Purpose of the Memorandum of Agreement (MA) and Provisions

This Memorandum of Agreement and its Provisions (“MA” or “Memorandum of Agreement”)
constitute a binding agreement between the Corporation for National and Community Service,
operating as AmeriCorps (AmeriCorps) and the Sponsor (“Sponsor"), regarding its VISTA Project.
This Memorandum of Agreement details the number of AmeriCorps members serving in the VISTA
Program who may be assigned to the Sponsor, the respective roles and responsibilities of
AmeriCorps and the Sponsor regarding the operation of its VISTA project, and the full range of legal
requirements of the Sponsor in the programmatic operations of its VISTA project. The assignment of
members under this MA is subject to the Sponsor's acceptable past performance, if applicable, and
to the availability of funds. It is the Sponsor's responsibility to ensure that the MA is signed by an
authorized representative empowered to enter legal agreements with the Federal Government.

The Memorandum of Agreement is signed electronically in AmeriCorps’ electronic grant
managementsystem by both parties. On the rare occasion that a Sponsor is unable to electronically
sign the MA, documentation of that restriction must be provided to AmeriCorps in advance.

To the extent AmeriCorps awards any grant funds associated with this Agreement, neither this

Agreement, nor its Provisions, shall go into effect until the date of AmeriCorps’ award of the grant
funds as set forth in the Notice of Grant Award.

Il. Significant Changes from Previous Fiscal Year

Section V, 19: New contact information requirement for Sponsors was added.

lll. Definitions

1. Sponsor refers to the non-profit organization or government agency that applies for and
receives an award to place AmeriCorps members and operate a VISTA Project, and if applicable,
receive a VISTA Support or Program grant.

2. Project refers to the set of activities, as set forth in the Project Application, for which the federal
award of VISTA resources was made.

3. Site refers to a non-profit organization or government agency, usually separate from the
Sponsor, that hosts AmeriCorps members who were assigned to the Sponsor's VISTA Project,
and where the AmeriCorps members perform service activities.

4. Service Location, also known as a Performance-Measures Service Location, refers to a non-profit
organization or government agency, not hosting or receiving AmeriCorps members, that directly
benefits from the services of one or more AmeriCorps members, as set forth in the Project
Application.

5. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) refers to the agreement document between the
Sponsor and each of its Sites as outlined in Section IV, Number 4.


3)

4)

5)

6)

representations must follow current AmeriCorps branding guidelines, which include proper
logo use and cobranding requirements. To provide Sponsors technical assistance in ensuring
compliance with proper logo use and cobranding requirements, AmeriCorps provides brand
guidelines, to which Sponsors and Sites should refer and follow. The brand guidelines are
available at https://www.americorps.gov/newsroom/communication-resources.

All Sponsor and Site websites and social media communications shall clearly state, as
appropriate, that they are an AmeriCorps partner or funded by a grant from AmeriCorps and
shall prominently display the AmeriCorps logo. Sponsors and Sites shall prominently display
the AmeriCorps name and logo on all service gear and public materials, in accordance with
AmeriCorps’ requirements. Public materials are defined in the branding toolkit.

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer on Published Materials. The appropriate AmeriCorps
shall be included on publications related to an award of AmeriCorps assistance or resources.
An acknowledgementand disclaimer shall be displayed on all reports and other published
materials based upon work supported by the award. The acknowledgement and disclaimer
may contain language the same as or similar to:

a. This material is based upon work supported by AmeriCorps under Project No(s) [
J. Opinions or points of view expressed in this document are those of the authors
and do not necessarily reflect the official position of, or a position that is endorsed
by, AmeriCorps.”

Brand Identification Through Publicity. Sponsors shall provide information or training to
their AmeriCorps members about how their projects are part of AmeriCorps. Sponsors are
strongly encouraged to place signs that include the name and logo at all their service Sites
and may use the slogan “AmeriCorps Serving Here”. When AmeriCorps members and
projects are publicized - including but not limited to public speaking opportunities, press
releases, news stories, blog posts, websites, social media posts, online videos, public service
announcements, paid advertising, brochures, and other communications channels -
individuals must be identified as AmeriCorps members, while projects should be identified
as AmeriCorps projects and, where possible, appropriate logos must be displayed.

Alteration of Brand Identities Prohibited Without AmeriCorps Written Permission.
Sponsors may not alter the AmeriCorps logos or other AmeriCorps branding and must
obtain written permission from AmeriCorps before using the AmeriCorps name or
logo, on materials that will be sold. Sponsors must also obtain written permission from
AmeriCorps before permitting donors to use the AmeriCorps name or logo in
promotional materials.

Prohibited Use or Display of Names and Logos for Certain Activities. The Sponsor

or Sites may not use or display the AmeriCorps name or logo in connection with any
activity prohibited by statute or regulation, including certain political activities.

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