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.
Community Connections
Community Connections(pdf) is delivered by mail to homes in Princeton each fall and spring. The publication features articles on university programs and events that are open to the community, contributions to the local community and more.
Princeton in Princeton
The Princeton community and Princeton University share more than just a name. The town and the campus intersect in many ways, each contributing to the other. Princeton in Princeton(pdf) highlights the numerous ways Princeton University seeks to support its’ host community.
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
Report to the Community
Each year President Eisgruber attends a public meeting of the Mayor and Council of Princeton to discuss ways that the University and the community may continue to collaborate on areas of mutual interest. In advance of that meeting , a summary of contributions to and partnerships with the town is compiled.
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
Economic Impact Report
In 2016 Princeton University engaged the services of Appleseed, an independent New York based consulting firm with extensive experience in economic and community impact analysis, to prepare a report on the economic impact of Princeton University on its neighboring communities (pdf), Mercer County and the state of New Jersey.
Recent Contributions
For the seventh year, the Office of Community and Regional Affairs partnered with W.B. Mason to offer Princeton University employees the opportunity to purchase a backpack kit, which included binders, notebooks, pens, crayons and tissues for the annual Princeton Human Services’ School Supplies Drive to benefit economically disadvantaged…
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 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.
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…
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.
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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.
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.