Nonprofit groups that want Princeton to promote an event, lend a room or send staff would have to apply during a single window each January and wait for a council vote in February, under a policy the City Council takes up Monday, Nov. 9.
The proposed Nonprofit Support Policy covers what the city calls non-monetary help: posts on city social media, newsletter and website mentions, signage, help from city departments, lending city rooms, equipment or employees, co-hosting, and permission to use the city's name, seal or logo. Grants, donations and other direct payments are not part of it, according to the draft.
Why staff wrote it
A memo from Erin Mudie, the city's director of marketing and communications, says requests from nonprofits for communications support, staff participation and use of city resources have grown along with the city. The policy is meant to set a consistent process and keep the final choice with the council, the memo says.
It does not set aside any money, and staff time or facility costs would depend on what the council approves.
How it would work
- The city would announce the application window in December, and organizations would apply in January for help during that calendar year. Staff would bring complete applications to the council in mid-February and notify groups of decisions by Feb. 28.
- Applicants would need proof of nonprofit standing, for example an IRS 501(c)(3) determination, and would have to report how many Princeton residents they serve and how many the activity is expected to reach, noting whether each figure is a count or an estimate. A group does not have to be based in Princeton.
- Each organization could receive support for one activity a year, and the city would back no more than two activities a quarter and eight a year. Groups representing police and fire employees would still apply but would not count toward those caps.
- Late applications would wait until the next year, and the draft says the council could not waive the deadline, including for well-known or disaster relief organizations.
- City channels could not be used for partisan campaigns, ballot measure campaigns or electioneering, and requests from religious organizations would be judged on neutral criteria and sent for legal review where needed.
- Staff would review paperwork and summarize requests but would not rank applicants. Supported groups would file a year-end report on results.
