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COST SHARE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT FOR 

AMERICORPS VISTA PROJECTS

Effective October 1, 2022 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Purpose of the Memorandum of Agreement (MA) and Provisions ............................................ 2

II. Significant Changes from Previous Fiscal Year.............................................................................. 2

III. Definitions............................................................................................................................................ 2

IV. AmeriCorps Responsibilities ........................................................................................................... 3

V. Sponsor Responsibilities ................................................................................................................... 4

VI. Reporting Requirements .................................................................................................................. 7

VII. Other Legal Requirements.............................................................................................................. 8

VIII. Affiliation with AmeriCorps.......................................................................................................... 12

IX. Cost Share Payment Requirements.............................................................................................. 13
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I. 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 

management system 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.

II. Significant Changes from Previous Fiscal Year

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

III. 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.
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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 and is 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 
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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 agreement that 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; 

c. Policies and procedures regarding requesting removal of members; 

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

and
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e. Written understanding and agreement that 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.

5) 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 project and 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.

6) 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.

7) 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, if applicable, end of service awards and other 

AmeriCorps funds provided in support of a member. Whether the Sponsor and/or the Site is 
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held financially responsible to reimburse AmeriCorps is within AmeriCorps’ complete 

discretion. 

8) 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. 

9) 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 indepth 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 inservice 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. Servicerelated 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 
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require. Those records shall be made available to AmeriCorps and the 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 11th 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 submit that 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 if the departure is 

prior to 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 
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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:

i. 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. 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 member of the board 

of directors of the specific VISTA Project or project Site where the member is assigned 

or reports for service; 
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iv. a close 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 a close 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 a close 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.

2) 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.

3) 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 that it 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. 

4) Sexual Harassment. Sexual harassment is 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.
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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 harassment toward fellow members or non-employees, where the Sponsor, 

its agent or its supervisory employees knew or should have known of the conduct, unless 

it took immediate and appropriate corrective action.

5) 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.

6) 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.

7) 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, 
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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. A substantial 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 submit a complaint to 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 
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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: Right to 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. In the 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. Affiliation with 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, Sponsors 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 
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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.

3) Acknowledgement and Disclaimer on Published Materials. The appropriate AmeriCorps 

shall be included on publications related to an award of AmeriCorps assistance or resources. 

An acknowledgement and 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) [ 

]. 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.” 

4) 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.

5) 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. 

6) 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. 

IX. Cost Share Payment Requirements

1) Bi-Weekly Allowance Payments Made by AmeriCorps to VISTA members. The Sponsor

shall reimburse AmeriCorps for bi-weekly payments to all cost-share members, covered by 
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this Agreement, for their living allowances (i.e., monthly subsistence allowances) as stated in 

the Budget. 

2) Reimbursement Schedule for Sponsor to Pay Back AmeriCorps. 

a. AmeriCorps Issues Bi-Weekly Invoices: At the end of each pay period during which costshare members are serving throughout the term of this MA, AmeriCorps will provide the 

Sponsor with an invoice electronically that details the member allowance expenditures 

made by AmeriCorps, on behalf of the Sponsor, in that pay period. The Sponsor will have 

30 days to tender full reimbursement to AmeriCorps of the total expenditures noted on 

the invoice. 

b. Requirement For Full Reimbursement to AmeriCorps By Due Date: In accordance with the 

Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1986, 31 U.S.C. chapter 37 (DCIA), AmeriCorps’

Claims Collection Regulations at 45 CFR Part 2506, and the Federal Claims Collections 

Standards (FCCS) (31 CFR Parts 900 to 904), the Sponsor is required to fully reimburse 

AmeriCorps for the expenditures that AmeriCorps made to the cost-share member(s) on 

behalf of the Sponsor by the Due Date set forth on the Invoice. Also, under federal law, 

any expenditures that AmeriCorps makes to the cost-share VISTA member(s) on behalf of 

the Sponsor is considered a debt of the Sponsor, and AmeriCorps must try to collect the 

debt it is owed.

3) Reimbursement Procedures for Sponsor to Pay Back AmeriCorps. All reimbursements 

made by the Sponsor to AmeriCorps – i.e., reimbursements and close-out payments for any 

amounts remaining due -- may be paid through https://www.pay.gov/public/home. Within 45 

days after the end of the project (whether by termination or by expiration of this Agreement), 

AmeriCorps will provide a final accounting of member allowance expenditures, together with 

a final invoice for any amount remaining due, pursuant to the Sponsor’s cost-share 

Agreement. Payment of any invoice described above is due within 30 days of the date of the 

invoice. 

4) Interest, Administrative Costs, and Penalties for Non-Reimbursement and 

Delinquencies. The parties to this MA understand that the reimbursement amounts that the 

Sponsor owes AmeriCorps, as set forth in the invoices, discussed above in parts b. and c., are 

considered debts under Federal law and applicable regulations. As a federal agency, 

AmeriCorps must comply with the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1986, 31 U.S.C. 

chapter 37 (DCIA), AmeriCorps’ Claims Collection Regulations at 45 CFR Part 2506, and the 

Federal Claims Collections Standards (FCCS) (4 CFR Part II.). Accordingly, AmeriCorps is 

required to try to collect all debts that it is owed. Such debts include any and all 

reimbursement amounts that the Sponsor owes AmeriCorps. 

a. The Sponsor is required to pay AmeriCorps the full reimbursement amount set forth on 

each invoice, by the date specified on the invoice. Any reimbursement amounts unpaid by 

the Sponsor to AmeriCorps by the date specified on the invoice becomes a delinquent 

debt. A debt becomes delinquent the day after the date specified on the invoice for the 

full reimbursement amount. 

b. The parties to this MA understand that to the extent that the reimbursement amount that 

the Sponsor owes AmeriCorps, as set forth on the invoice, becomes delinquent, the 

Sponsor is subject to interest on that delinquent debt in accordance with the DCIA at 31 

U.S.C. § 3717. To the extent the Sponsor’s debt remains delinquent for more than 60 days, 
15

AmeriCorps shall initiate action to collect such debt with interest. In addition, in instances 

where the Sponsor has such debt that remains delinquent for more than 90 days, 

AmeriCorps may also initiate action to collect interest, administrative costs and penalties. 

Debt collection may include referral to the U. S. Department of the Treasury, Debt 

Management Services. The debt may also be collected by the Internal Revenue Service 

through the U.S. Department of the Treasury Offset Program (TOP).

5) Non-Reimbursement or Delinquency May Result in Cessation of VISTA operations. The 

Sponsor understands and agrees that if the full reimbursement amount set forth on each cost 

share invoice is not paid by the date specified on the invoice and thus becomes a delinquent 

debt, AmeriCorps may deny refunding of the VISTA project, or suspend or terminate the 

VISTA project prior to the conclusion of the last term of service date for all members or 

summer associates currently assigned to the Sponsor, or may take such other action as is 

appropriate and legally available to AmeriCorps. The Sponsor further understands and 

agrees that should AmeriCorps take any action available to it as a result of a failure to make a 

full reimbursement amount set forth on each cost share invoice, that the debt owed by the 

Sponsor to AmeriCorps is not extinguished, and that such debt remains due and owing 

regardless of other actions taken for violations of this Memorandum of Agreement.