Cornell Education Research Foundation India

The Cornell Education Research Foundation (CERF) is registered as a Section 8 nonprofit company registered under the Companies Act 2013 in India. This local registration enables CERF to support a broad range of activities and services across India in partnership with Cornell’s colleges and schools. Often, this involves collaboration with the central and state governments, non-governmental organizations, other higher education institutions, and the private sector.

Our Activities

• Facilitate Education, Research, and Programming: Engage in disciplines such as food security, public health, environment, science, management, technology, social sciences, culture, and art.
• Host and Facilitate Programs: Offer training, consultancy, and support for fellowships, research projects, executive education programs, lectures, conferences, seminars, symposia, and exhibitions.
• Overall Assistance: Assist students, faculty, alumni, administrators, institutions, and the public-at-large in their efforts to enhance the quality of life of the people in India.

Services We Provide to Cornell Departments

• Gift Administration: CERF can receive and manage gifts from India-based donors for projects delivered in India, adhering to Cornell University standards—particularly in situations where the University may otherwise be unable to accept gifts directly.
• Grant Administration: When there's a compelling reason to accept a specific grant from India, but the University cannot directly accept the funding, CERF is able to act as the direct awardee. Although the grants are awarded to and formally accepted by CERF, the research activity is performed by Cornell researchers using University resources, all under contract to CERF for the term of the grant.
• Office Administration: Support local staff, facility management, local payments, and provide India-specific tax and financial advisory services.
• Employment Services: Offer employment and payroll services for local employees paid for through local funding, while allowing departments to recruit, select, and manage employees and project activities.

Making a Gift or Grant to CERF

CERF is a nonprofit Foundation in India, established by Cornell University. It facilitates grants and gifts to support educational and research programs and activities aimed at the betterment of India. By donating to CERF, you enable the continuation and expansion of these impactful activities, working in collaboration with Cornell University on various innovative research initiatives.

Gifts to the Foundation are deductible under Section 80G of the India Income-Tax Act, 1961, offering donors in India a tax-efficient avenue to support these vital programs.

Note: The Foundation’s indirect cost rate is 15% of total direct costs on the grant or sub-award received. This rate is calculated to cover the actual indirect costs, ensuring that funds are used efficiently without generating financial surpluses in the Foundation.