When you think of the word ‘trust’ you might think ‘trust fund baby’, or someone inheriting a bunch of money when they’re of age. Well, that’s not the case with Princeton’s Trusts.
Princeton has 31 Trusts, the oldest one established in 1829. These Trusts hold money to be used for a variety of causes. Here’s a list of all 31 Trusts.
Some examples:
The J.H. Temple Trust: Income to be applied annually to support the Public School of the town of Princeton.
The Princeton Community Trust, established in 2010: For the benefit of Princeton residents in need of financial assistance.
The Chandler Bullock Fund: To defray the expenses connected to the annual Tennis tournaments.
All that being said, the main goal of each of these 31 Trusts is, quite simply, to help the residents of Princeton, whether they need assistance paying their bills, funding education, or sending children to tennis camp. Income from the Trusts’ principal is given to those that meet the donation parameters of each Trust. Donations from Princeton residents are what make each of these Trusts possible!
The money in all of the Trusts is managed by the Trustees of the Trust Funds. The Trustees is an elected body responsible for managing the Trust Funds of the Town of Princeton, in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, specifically M.G.L. Chapter 41 sections 45-47 and M.G.L. Chapter 203C.
As part of their fiduciary duty, the Trustees are charged with executing a responsible and profitable investment policy and distributing the funds in accordance with the terms of each individual Trust.
“The Trustees have adopted an investment policy that is aimed at generating returns equal to or better than the rate of inflation. The current investment objective focuses on a balance of income generation and growth of principal. The Town Treasurer serves as the custodian of all the Trust assets. The investments are managed by a professional investment firm.” — Town of Princeton website
If you live in Princeton, you’re probably aware of how lucky we are to be part of a close-knit community. Neighbors say hello to each other and are there to lend a hand when needed. The Princeton Trust Funds are one more way that Princeton can help Princeton.
If you would like to help your neighbors by donating to the Trusts, there are several easy ways to donate. You can simply write a check made payable to The Town of Princeton, with the name of the Trust you want your money to go to in the memo line.
To have the biggest impact on your community, donate to the Princeton Community Trust (for those in financial need), the Temple Trust (for education), the Hitchcock Trust (for conservation), or the Chandler Bullock Fund (for tennis expenses). Drop off the check to the Treasurer at the Princeton Town Hall, or mail to:
Treasurer c/o Princeton Town Hall, 6 Town Hall Drive, Princeton, MA 01541
Looking for more ways to donate? Check the Trustees of the Trust Funds website for more information.
It’s easy and confidential to apply for financial assistance from the Trust Funds. Applications are available at the Princeton Town Hall or you can apply online.
To increase awareness of the Trusts and to have some community fun, the Trustees are throwing a fundraiser on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Join us at Mountainside Cafe at 213 Mountain Road in Princeton to enjoy hot apple crisp and ice cream, games for the kids, and maybe a beer at Double Down Brewery before the brewery closes for the season. T-shirts will be for sale. Mountainside Cafe is generously donating profits from this event to the Princeton Community Trust. A big thank you to Mountainside Cafe and our other sponsors for being a great example of Princeton helping Princeton!
The Trusts are here to help Princeton, whether it is to reward students, assist in covering expenses for the townwide tennis tournament, or to help neighbors who struggle to pay heating or electric bills.
If you have extra, please consider donating. If you need a helping hand, apply for assistance. We’re all in this together.
For more information about the Princeton Trust Funds, see the Trustees of Trust Funds page on the town website.
THIS STORY SUBMITTED BY: Jean Green, Princeton Trustees of the Trust Funds
