Established in 1989, The Portland VA Research Foundation (PVARF) is an independent nonprofit corporation whose mission is to facilitate the research and educational activities conducted at the VA Portland Health Care System(VAPORHCS). The PVARF is a 501 ©(3) tax exempt corporation. Located on the grounds of the VAPORHCS, PVARF provides administrative support for the research and education projects approved by the Research and Development or Education Committees being conducted by clinicians and scientists at the PVAMC, who many also hold faculty appointments at Oregon Health and Science University. The mission of the PVARF administrative office is to provide helpful, efficient, and friendly support to VA staff at the VAPORHCS in their research, and education endeavors.

The PVARF is governed by a 12 member Board of Directors. Four of these board members are statutory: Director, Chief of Staff, Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS) for Research and Development, and ACOS for Education. The Board of Directors has appointed an Executive Director to develop and implement policy and manage the operations of PVARF.