Gifts to Annual Giving allow Princeton to provide extraordinary opportunities for learning and discovery; to extend the financial aid program to every student who needs it; and to help meet emerging needs and challenges. These unrestricted funds give Princeton the flexibility to undertake critical new initiatives such as developing the neuroscience program and attracting world-renowned faculty before a permanent endowment for the program is fully in place.

Since 1940, Annual Giving has been a vital source of institutional momentum for Princeton, and the primary way for all alumni, parents, and friends to help sustain the special features that set Princeton apart. The success of Annual Giving and the spirit of shared experience and mutual encouragement that brings together Princetonians of all generations are essential to Princeton’s enduring excellence.

For the five-year-period beginning in 2007 and ending in 2012, Princeton is seeking to raise a total of $1.75 billion through a University-wide campaign entitled Aspire: A Plan for Princeton. Annual Giving is a vital part of the effort -- in fact, the campaign’s first priority -- and will be striving to provide at least $250 million over this five-year period.