Why a Research Foundation?
The Research Foundation provides the independence and administrative flexibility to respond quickly to the special demands of sponsored programs in a manner that facilitates their scientific or technical execution; these are needs that could not be as easily accommodated through state processes.The demands of sponsored programs include:
- very short time frames (usually one year or less to complete the project)
- need for prefunding expenditures prior to sponsor reimbursement
- flexibility to hire project staff upon the project start date and terminate them upon project
- completion
- purchasing supplies, equipment, reimbursement of travel costs, etc. when needed
- subcontracting to third parties for special services
- billing sponsors for payment
- issuing financial reports
Separate Status
The foundation is separate from the University and does not receive services provided to New York State agencies or state appropriation to support corporate functions. The foundation is responsible for its own financial, legal and business systems, its personnel policies and employee fringe benefits program and its payroll services. Employees of the foundation are not indemnified under the New York State Public Officers Law, are not entitled to representation by the New York State attorney general and do not participate in the state’s retirement and fringe benefits program.Campus Operations
Sponsored program functions delegated to the campuses are conducted under the supervision of foundation operations managers, who are appointed by the foundation’s board on the recommendation of the respective campus presidents.
Employment Opportunities
Click here to learn about employment opportunities with the Research Foundation.
