NPC History
Background – VA-Affiliated Nonprofit Research and Education Corporations
In 1988, Public Law 100-322, codified in Title 38, sections 7361-7366, authorized Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers to establish nonprofit research and education foundations. These organizations are also known as the VA affiliated nonprofit research and education corporations (NPCs). Thirty-five years after enactment, the VA has more than seventy-five (75) separate, state-chartered corporations scattered throughout the country, all subject to VA oversight and regulation.
This statute provides VA medical centers with a flexible funding mechanism to accept and administer private sector and non-VA federal research and education funds. An NPC may accept any funds other than those appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Each NPC is an independent, state chartered, tax exempt organization under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
During a 1998 ceremony commemorating the tenth anniversary of authorization of the NPCs, the late Congressman Sonny Montgomery said, "Ten years ago these foundations were just an idea. Obviously they were a good idea. Now I can't imagine VA research without them." As the NPCs approach their 35th anniversary, the VA-NPC partnership continues to thrive, and there is broad agreement that the relationship has positive benefits for veterans, VA research, VA researchers and the sponsors of the research NPCs administer.
Our Corporation
Research Mississippi Inc. is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) research corporation established in the state of Mississippi as a charitable organization in 1991. The corporation was established to advance the research and educational activities of the staff at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VAMC, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Jackson, MS.
The corporation's mission is to stimulate biomedical research with the goal of improving healthcare to our Veterans through research, scholarship and education. Research Mississippi Inc. administers funds for projects that have been approved by the VA Research & Development Committee, and for educational programs that have been approved by the Education and Training Committee. Funding sources from other government entities (e.g. CDC, NIH), other non-profit, voluntary agencies, private companies, and general donations supporting research and education can be administered by the corporation.
Research Mississippi Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer in compliance with all Department of Veterans Affairs’ guidelines and federal laws. The corporation is overseen by a Board of Directors, which sets policy governing the day-to-day activities.