Research Foundation of the City University of New York

The Research Foundation of the City University of New York (RFCUNY) is a private, not-for-profit educational corporation chartered by the State of New York in 1963. It supports the City University of New York (CUNY), which is the nation's largest urban public university. RFCUNY plays a crucial role in facilitating research, training, and innovation within the CUNY system.

Mission and Responsibilities

RFCUNY's primary mission is to assist CUNY's faculty and staff in securing external funding from government and private sector sources. This involves providing pre-award support to help in identifying and obtaining grants, as well as post-award administration to manage funded programs efficiently. The foundation's areas of focus include research in both natural and social sciences, training initiatives, curriculum development, assessment, job placement services, program evaluation, media production, and software development.

In addition to its core responsibilities, RFCUNY is involved in managing infrastructure projects such as facility construction and renovation. It also oversees compliance with standards related to human subjects, animal care, environmental safety, and conflict of interest issues in research settings. Moreover, RFCUNY is responsible for protecting and commercializing intellectual property, which helps in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship within the CUNY community.

Governance and Operations

Despite its close collaboration with CUNY, RFCUNY operates independently under its own Board of Directors. It maintains its own financial system, including issuing independently audited financial statements and managing payroll and fringe benefits plans for its employees. The foundation purchases goods and services based on its own set of rules and regulations.

RFCUNY also offers administrative services to other nonprofit organizations through its GrantsPlus program. This initiative combines experienced staff with advanced technology to deliver high-quality support services to clients.

Impact and Initiatives

RFCUNY supports a wide range of initiatives and projects aimed at advancing educational and career opportunities. It has participated in programs focused on crime prevention, law enforcement engagement, and technology innovation. Additionally, RFCUNY has been involved in holistic efforts like the Future Forward initiative, which seeks to build equitable access to sustainable careers by partnering with colleges, community organizations, and industry partners. This collaborative approach focuses on providing under-served youth with better career-connected learning outcomes.

Financial Overview

As a significant not-for-profit entity, RFCUNY's annual awards have exceeded substantial figures, highlighting its substantial role in securing external funding for CUNY. It has earned a rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its compliance with auditing standards common among large educational organizations.

In summary, the Research Foundation of the City University of New York plays a pivotal role in supporting research, innovation, and educational initiatives across the CUNY system, while operating as an independent entity with its own governance structure and operational policies.