A "potential recipient" refers to someone who may receive something in the future, such as a gift or award. It means they have the possibility of getting that thing, but it hasn't been given to them yet. Full definition
Make a list of potential recipients of free books, then organize them according to your priorities. (selfpublishingrelief.com)
I'd like to use my last entry of 2014 to highlight a few worthy potential recipients of your charitable spirit. (slaw.ca)
Organizations listed as potential recipients of the funds raised included the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT), the Competitive Enterprise Institute, Frontiers of Freedom and The George C. Marshall Institute. (sourcewatch.org)