Working With RF CUNY

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at York College partners with The Research Foundation of CUNY (RF CUNY), where RF CUNY acts as the fiscal agent for all sponsored projects awarded to a CUNY institution.

In affiliation with York College, The Research Foundation of CUNY (RF CUNY) is accountable for guaranteeing that awarded grants are expended per the grant awarding agency’s guiding principles. They serve to provide financial reports to the granting agency and authorize all contracts, or subcontracts, related to a particular grant. When a PI is awarded a grant, the funds are “deposited” at the RF where an account is launched for the PI’s access. The Research Foundation processes, all grant-related hiring, purchasing, and travel payments.

Please adhere to the following steps in order to access the Research Foundation’s electronic systems:

Once you have - or your new hire has - accepted the RF CUNY position and met with the ORSP Grants Assistant, you will be contacted by RF CUNY to complete the RF CUNY Hire Packet, which will give you access to your 6-digit RF CUNY ID number - please use this number to create a new password for the RF CUNY website.
- If you have trouble accessing any of this information please contact your project director, the Campus Personnel Coordinator, or the RF HR Personnel, to further assist you.
Your RF CUNY account will permit access to your grants account - where, you may view your account statement, use the PAF and payroll systems, and utilize the vendor payment system.

Helpful Links and Resources from the RF CUNY Website

RF CUNY HR Telephone Directory - Here you can find the telephone contact information for various HR personnel at the RF.
RF CUNY Documents and Forms Resource - Available here are various forms and other miscellaneous documents relevant to PIs and other RF CUNY employees.
How to Access Your RF CUNY Web Reports and E-Systems - The RF CUNY web-based reporting and other various e-systems provide access to the management of sponsored programs, grant funds, and other CUNY funds. Approved personnel can review expenses against their programs, approve staff, and manage procurement activity.
RF Hiring Personnel Information - These resources facilitate understanding of staff recruitment, timesheets, and appropriate employment forms that must be submitted when hiring individuals to work as RF CUNY employees or hiring staff under grants spearheaded via the RF CUNY.
Travel Guidelines - The RF CUNY requires PIs authorizing grant-funded (project-related) travel for themselves, their staff, or an external entity to be thoroughly familiar with RF CUNY’s travel policies and to communicate said policies and guidelines to all those involved in a proposed travel endeavor. These resources aid in describing various travel guidelines and forms necessary for travel.
Travel Grants FAQs - This page acts as a resource for frequently asked questions related to grant-funded travel.
Policy N. 518-C-The Use of Independent Contractors - This policy acts as a guide for PIs intending to use Independent Contractors - paid $5,000 or more - regarding sponsored projects supervised by the RF.
Board Approved Policies - The policies described here allow RF employees, and other individuals managed by the RF, to understand their roles and responsibilities within the preestablished regulations.
Charging Stipends to Federal Awards - This resource describes the RF CUNY policies and guidance protocols regarding stipends - only allowed for federal research awards where a sponsor had specifically determined the need for a stipend for training regarding the awarded project direction.
Procuring and Maintaining Equipment with RF CUNY - This page describes the policies surrounding procuring goods and services under the guidance of the RF.
Uniform Guidance Basics - The Office of Management and Budget's (OMB)Uniform Guidance applies to all new federal awards issued on or after December 26, 2014, revisions and references to these guidelines can be found here.

Where to Find RF CUNY?

You can find the RF CUNY main office located at: 230 W 41st St #7, New York, NY 10036.

If you cannot find the answers to your research-related questions or your RF-related questions please feel free to contact RF CUNY at 212-417-8300, or the ORSP office at x 2061, for more information.