Fast, Easy and Affordable Solution to Ensure Compliance
MENANDS, N.Y. – October 6, 2011 -- Health Research, Inc. (HRI), a not-for-profit established in 1953 to manage sponsored research and public health funds, today announced the launch of We Certify, a new web-based effort certification system designed specifically for nonprofits to ensure compliance with federal effort reporting regulations under 2 CFR Part 230, formerly OMB Circular A-122.
Officially unveiled on October 6 at Camp Finance, a financial management conference for nonprofits sponsored by the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON), We Certify enters the market at a time when government oversight and audits are on the rise and penalties for non-compliance with federal regulation can cause material damage to a nonprofit.
"Until now, nonprofits did not have an efficient or affordable way to address the complex, time consuming and potentially costly issue of effort reporting certification," said Mike Nazarko, Executive Director of HRI. "We built We Certify from the ground up to be fast, efficient and easy to use, freeing up time so users can focus on delivering their core mission."
We Certify features a user-friendly interface that makes tracking and reporting time and effort requirements almost effortless. Consulting, training and customization services are also available to support time and effort projects. "There is no software to download or install—everything is provided via the web and ready to use," said Mr. Nazarko.
We Certify was created in response to a genuine need that existed in the nonprofit community. "Some nonprofits don't fully understand the requirements of effort compliance; others don't have the staff, resources or expertise," said Mr. Nazarko. "As a grant administrator—and an organization committed to helping nonprofits—we saw there were no products out there to solve this problem, so we stepped up to help."
Although HRI's primary focus is grant fund administration in support of public health programs and scientific research, We Certify is available to all nonprofits regardless of their mission. "Any nonprofit that receives federal grant funding is required to comply and is a potential user," said Mr. Nazarko. "This is the first product we've created for external use that extends beyond the research and healthcare communities."
We Certify has already received rave reviews from beta testers. According to Eve Scofield, Finance Manager for the Anthony L. Jordan Health Center, "(We Certify) is so easy, I feel like it's a no-brainer."
HRI has a proven track record of providing innovative tools and technologies on behalf of their affiliates. Recent innovations include an electronic time sheet reporting system, a dashboard for reporting and managing grants, and an award-winning LISTSERVE (RESADM-L ) to enhance communication with peers.
About Health Research, Inc.
Health Research, Incorporated (HRI) is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit corporation. HRI's mission is to assist public health institutions to effectively evaluate, solicit, and administer external financial support for scientific research and public health programs, and to disseminate the benefits of their research through programs such as technology transfer.
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For more information about We Certify, please visit http://www@healthresearch.org/wecertify, email wecertify@healthresearch.org or call 518-431-1257.
