Giving Back to the Community

Students, faculty and alumni at New York University are dedicated to making a difference in their community.  Throughout its existence, the University has abided by a key tradition: being “a private university in the public service.”  NYU delivers on this premise through the clinical and outreach programs of its leading professional schools; through the volunteer support of thousands of students, faculty, and staff; and through direct contributions to local charities.  Just as NYU has grown through the years, so has its service and presence in the community.

For more specific information on the many activities, initiatives and opportunities available for NYU students, faculty and alumni to give back to the community, contact the NYU Office of Student Activities, the Office of Civic Engagement, the Office of Government and Community Affairs or the Wasserman Center for Career Development for more information.

One way the University gives back is through the NYU Community Fund.  In 1982, members of the faculty, administrative and clerical staff founded the NYU Community Fund as a way to assist organizations serving the communities surrounding NYU campuses. Since then, the NYU Community Fund has raised and distributed over $2,500,000 for hundreds of nonprofit organizations involved in the arts, children and youth, education, elderly and the homeless. 

NYU students are consistently finding new ways to reach out to the community, and they are reliably involved with a number of charities, community organizations and not-for-profits.  Many students take initiative and start their own outreach organizations and groups, taking the reins in every step, from inception to funding to recruitment and execution.  Whether their involvement is with the sick, the poor or those who simply need a helping hand, student volunteers give of themselves freely.