Albany Research Institute, Inc. (ARI), a non-profit 501©(3) organization, is a not-for-profit research corporation, which was established to facilitate the conduct of approved medical, pharmacological, and allied health and related administrative research at the Stratton VA Medical Center. As indicative of the non-profit status the Internal Revenue Service has assigned the Albany Research Institute, Inc., Federal ID# 14-1716021.

The ARI was incorporated in 1989 according to section 204 of the Public Law 100-322, which authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish private, non-profit organizations to serve as a flexible funding mechanisms in support of research at VA Medical Centers.

ARI was organized to administer research and development funds from corporate sources, non-VA governmental agencies such as National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, private foundations, and private gifts and donations. Funds received by ARI in support of research activities can be accepted only if the responsible investigator holds an appointment at the Stratton VA Medical Center. Funds managed by ARI remain under the direction of the investigators to whom the funds were awarded or donated, provided that the funds are expended according to the policies and procedures of the ARI.

Funds received by ARI are subject to an administrative fee (currently 20%). Expenses incurred to support corporate obligations include, but are not limited to, accounting, banking and legal fees, supplies and administrative salaries.

The Board of Directors includes the Stratton VA Medical Center Director, the Stratton VAMC Chief of Staff, the Stratton VAMC Associate Chief of Staff for Research, a vice-president, secretary/treasurer and three other research scientists from the community.