MIT supports more than 180 local nonprofits, primarily in Cambridge, through a variety of approaches including direct financial support, the use of Institute facilities, volunteerism, serving on boards and committees, sharing expertise, and employee donation and collection drives.
MIT cares deeply about the Cambridge community and strives to make meaningful connections with its neighbors. A sampling of these efforts can be found in the MIT in Cambridge Impact Report.
Ways We Support Nonprofits:
Facility Use
Our office can serve as a host for government groups and Cambridge-based nonprofits wishing to hold events on the MIT campus. Events could include fundraisers, retreats, meetings, or celebrations.
Board Service
Members of the MIT community provide expertise and access to the Institute by serving on dozens of boards and committees at a variety of nonprofits and civic entities. Staff also serve on committees and task forces on topics related to public policy issues that impact the broader community.
Sharing Expertise
As leading experts in their fields, members of the MIT community sometimes serve as advisors to government agencies and community-based organizations on specific issues or projects.
Direct Donations
Our office makes donations to support Cambridge-based organizations that have strong ties to the Institute and provide direct services to residents. MIT cannot make contributions to political campaigns or events.
The MIT Community Service Fund
Since 1968, the MIT Community Service Fund (CSF) has provided financial resources to support local nonprofits with MIT ties, as well as MIT students, staff, and faculty volunteers engaged in public service initiatives, including those overseen by the PKG Public Service Center. The Office of Government and Community Relations supports the fund’s administration and provides guidance to the Board of Trustees.
From strengthening relationships between the Institute and surrounding communities to funding service projects that offer educational value to MIT students, the fund’s founding principles of community-building and collaboration remain at the heart of CSF’s work.
