Princeton University is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt institution, chartered to fulfill certain educational, research, and public service missions. As a general rule, the University does not contribute financially to other registered not-for-profit charitable organizations.

From time to time, however, the University may make donations to charitable organizations in the following cases:

• Donations approved by the President, Provost, Executive Vice President, or Vice President and Secretary.
• Donations managed by the Office of Community and Regional Affairs.
• Donations managed by the Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel.
• One-time contributions of $500 or less made to 501(c)(3) scholarly societies and associations.
• One-time contributions of $100 or less made to a charitable organization as an expression of sympathy in the name of a deceased employee or a deceased family member of an employee.

Use of University Space

Space and facilities - Conference and Events Services is authorized by the Office of the Executive Vice President to manage requests for the use of University space and facilities.   Groups or individuals not affiliated with Princeton University may request permission to use University space by submitting a formal proposal to Conference and Event Services. Only those proposals submitted by a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization can be considered.   Faculty, staff, and students may not allow the use of University space or facilities by non-University entities unless approved in advance by Conference and Events Services.   

Goods and equipment - The Facilities Resource Recovery Program is authorized by the Office of the Executive Vice President to manage requests for the disposal or distribution of surplus or unneeded materials. Any donations of University goods, equipment, inventory, or other tangible resources must be coordinated and approved by the Facilities Surplus Program.

Fundraising for Other Charitable Organizations

This policy does not address the normal fundraising activities of the Office of Development.

Fundraising activities may be conducted by other University entities that have a purpose of civic engagement or service that is consistent with the University’s mission. All fundraising activities must receive advance approval from the Office of the Provost, Office of the Executive Vice President, Office of the President, or Office of the Vice President and Secretary.

Fundraising events may not include sweepstakes, lotteries, raffles or any drawing for prizes, regardless of whether those prizes are goods, services, cash, or cash equivalents such as gift cards.

Additional information for student groups wishing to conduct fundraising activities: ODUS policy for Fundraising for humanitarian relief efforts

Solicitation

See HR Policy 5.2.7 Solicitation & Distribution.

Prohibited Activities

Requests to redirect payments (e.g. honorariums, speaker fees, human subject payments, etc.) to charitable organizations are prohibited. The recipient of the payment should make the donation to the charitable organization directly.

Political activities are not permitted. Under federal law, the University may not "participate in, or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for [any] public office" and "no substantial part of the activities" of the University may be directed to influencing legislation (Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code). The University may not endorse, or provide or solicit financial or other support for, candidates or political organizations. For additional guidance, see: Guidelines Relating to the Tax-Exempt Status of the University and Political Activities

Sponsored funds may never be used to make a charitable donation or contribution.

Reimbursement for Charitable Donations

Approved charitable donations must be made directly through the University’s financial systems. The University will not reimburse individuals for charitable donations made with their own funds.