I will answer this question with the help of my colleagues. I should say the following. NGOs receiving funding from the Government of Canada via the Department of Canadian Heritage through contribution agreements have very well-defined agreements. They serve two purposes. The first is to meet the operational needs of an organization. Take for instance one of the best-known organizations, the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne. They receive core funding to provide premises or office space allowing the federation to do its work of bringing together francophone and Acadian communities politically. The funds received through contribution agreements also go to projects but they are always extremely well-defined; the money cannot be used to do anything other than to complete specific projects as defined by specific contribution agreements.
On June 5th, 2007. See this statement in context.