Community Contributions

Princeton University is an economic engine for central New Jersey as one of the largest private employers, a major purchaser of goods and services, and the largest taxpayer in the Municipality of Princeton.  The University plays a significant role in the educational, cultural, and economic life of the region and provides direct and indirect support to local non-profit and governmental organizations.

The University values its longstanding, mutually beneficial relationships with nearby communities and the opportunities that emerge to connect campus and community. Together the University and its neighbors continue a vibrant tradition of cooperation through on- and off-campus learning opportunities, joint transportation and infrastructure projects, community service, and initiatives in entrepreneurship, the arts and other areas.

two people walk together on campus
People walk through town

Princeton University launched Tigers in Town during the COVID-19 pandemic to support struggling local businesses while providing a safe way for students to socialize. The program will continue and expand through the fall 2021 semester. Pictured, students partake of businesses along Witherspoon Street. Photo by Denise Applewhite, Office of Communications

people practice social distance while watching outdoor concert

Princeton University Concerts held its “Breathe in Music” series outdoors in 2021, inviting the community to experience live performances by the next generation of classical music stars while following a meditation led by Matthew Weiner, associate dean in the Office of Religious Life. The series is among the many ways in which Princeton University contributes to the Municipality of Princeton and surrounding communities. Photo by Nick Donnoli Productions LLC

 

 

 

Recent Contributions

By the numbers: University raises funds for United Way
April 3, 2023
Author
Written by Office of Community and Regional Affairs

With the help of a robust group of departmental volunteers, the campus community raised $96,852.05 during the 2022 United Way Campaign. Proceeds support the United Way of Greater Mercer County’s education, financial stability, food insecurity, and health programs.

Princeton University announces over $14.6 million in voluntary contributions to Princeton Public Schools
March 14, 2023
Author
Written by Office of Communications

Princeton University will contribute more than $14.6 million to Princeton Public Schools over the next five years. The annual voluntary contributions will exceed the amount the schools received from voluntary property tax payments the University made in previous years.

Annual Clothing Drive supports workforce organizations and local economically disadvantaged students
March 10, 2023
Author
Written by Office of Community and Regional Affairs

Each spring, the Office of Community and Regional Affairs invites faculty and staff to donate gently used business attire to support local workforce organizations. This year the University community filled our collection site with suits, dresses, shirts, pants, shoes, and accessories.

The donations benefit HomeFront's Suitably Dressed…

President Eisgruber, Princeton municipal officials highlight cooperation between ‘town and gown’ at 10th annual meeting
March 2, 2023
Author
Written by Denise Valenti, Office of Communications

Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber joined Princeton municipal officials on Monday, Feb. 27, to discuss shared interests affecting the University and the community, including transportation, housing and support for local businesses.

University community donates more than 2,000 lbs. of food and hygiene products to Mercer Street Friends
Jan. 6, 2023

The Office of Community and Regional Affairs wrapped up 2022 with the annual Holiday Food and Yarn Drive. 

Volunteers helped collect donations from 32 locations on and off campus. This year we collected 2,694 pounds of non perishable food and personal hygiene products for Mercer Street Friends Food Bank. Mercer Street Friends…

University employees donate to Human Services School Supplies Drive
Aug. 9, 2022
Author
Written by Office of Community and Regional Affairs

For the sixth year the Office of Community and Regional Affairs partnered with WB Mason to offer Princeton University employees the opportunity to purchase a backpack to donate to the annual Princeton Human Services’ School Supplies Drive to be donated to economically disadvantaged Princeton school-aged children. In addition to the backpacks,…

University donates supplies to Princeton and Trenton health groups
July 14, 2022
Author
Written by Jim Sturdivant, Environmental Health and Safety

Princeton University Office of Environmental Health and Safety and the Office of Community and Regional Affairs coordinated to donate nitrile gloves, isolation gowns, gauze pads, and other supplies to the Princeton Health Department on June 22. Seven pallets of supplies brought out by EHS staffers Kelly States and Ryan Carney were loaded by…

University donates supplies to Princeton Health Department
June 23, 2022

Princeton University EHS and the Office of Community and Regional Affairs coordinated to donate nitrile gloves, isolation gowns, gauze pads and other supplies to the Princeton Health Department. Seven pallets of supplies brought out by EHS staffers Kelly States and Ryan Carney were loaded up Wednesday morning by members of the Health Department…

By the numbers: University raises funds for United Way
March 30, 2022
Author
Written by Office of Community and Regional Affairs

With the help of a robust group of departmental volunteers, the campus community raised $121,467.08 during the 2021 United Way Campaign. Proceeds support the United Way of Greater Mercer County’s education, financial stability, food insecurity and health programs.

Eisgruber, Princeton officials praise COVID-19 partnership and consider future collaboration at annual meeting
March 17, 2022
Author
Written by Denise Valenti, Office of Communications

Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber joined Princeton municipal officials on Monday, March 14, to discuss shared interests affecting the University and the community, highlighting their mutual support during the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic and looking ahead to continued partnership, particularly as it relates to the downtown.

University Employees spread cheer through annual Holiday Outreach program
Dec. 17, 2021

Thank you to all who participated in our Holiday Food and Yarn Drive! We are so grateful to those who donated both on and off campus.

The university employees and local community donated food and yarn at 31 location on campus and in the town of Princeton. Non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products will be donated to…