To whom does the term "subrecipient" refer?

The term "subrecipient" refers specifically to an entity that receives a portion of the grant funding to carry out certain activities or services that are part of the overall project. This relationship typically involves the subrecipient being responsible for adhering to the terms of the grant agreement and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Subrecipients play a critical role in the implementation of the grant, often bringing specialized expertise, additional resources, or capacity that complements the work of the primary recipient (the grantee). They may be responsible for specific tasks outlined in the grant proposal, and their work is essential to achieving the project goals funded by the grant.

In contrast, entities that distribute funds to the grantee or conduct audits of project finances do not fit the definition of a subrecipient, as their roles are more administrative or oversight-oriented. Likewise, an external advisor to the grant manager supports grant management but does not directly engage in executing project activities with grant funds. Thus, the characterization of a subrecipient is vital to understanding the grant execution landscape and the different roles involved in managing and implementing funded projects.