Planning organization needs financing for Witherspoon Street corridor study
By: Marjorie Censer
After unsuccessfully applying for several grants recently, the nonprofit citizens’ organization Princeton Future is reaching out to the public for donations.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Princeton Area Community Foundation turned down the organization’s applications for funding for the Witherspoon Street Corridor Study, said Yina Moore, co-chair of Princeton Future.
Princeton Future applied for $50,000 grants from both foundations in hopes of funding the second phase of the study, which focuses on land-use concerns as they apply to the street’s surrounding neighborhoods. The first part of the study examined the actual details of the street, including its trees, power lines and ways to make it safer for pedestrians.
Both foundations have given money to Princeton Future in the past, in 2001 and 2003.
The project-specific funding search is a new step for Princeton Future, Ms. Moore said, and makes more sense for the organization.
"We’re interested in taking this project-specific approach because that’s really what we do," she explained. "The strength of our organization is really in the project mode."
The first part of the study went unfunded, she added, with the exception of some use of general contributions. The bulk of the materials, time and mailings used during the course of the study were donated. Local consultants volunteered their time and expertise. Princeton Future could not even approach some consultants, Ms. Moore said, because the organization was unable to offer financial compensation.
The second part of the study, already under way, is also unfunded right now. A recent e-mail sent to the public requests donations, in the amount of "$25, $50, $100, or whatever you can," and is part of Princeton Future’s attempt to increase public participation, in financial contributions and in membership, Ms. Moore said.
"It’s the public that needs to be engaged," she explained.
The solicitation is the first time Princeton Future has turned to the public for financial contributions.
Though she said she does not know why the foundations declined to grant the organization funding this time, Ms. Moore suggested it might be because Princeton Future is perceived as a group that has been successful in fundraising or because Princeton is seen as a wealthy town.
"There’s a lot of money in Princeton is what is assumed," she explained.
In fact, the group has less support than it once did because it last year stopped accepting matching funds from Princeton University, she explained. She said Princeton Future will not accept donations from groups if it is perceived that group might influence its work.
"Last year, we really had a lower giving performance," Ms. Moore said.
She said the group does not know what to expect in individual donations because it is the first time they have been requested.

