MIT and the Community

Since its founding, MIT has maintained a commitment to serving the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its cities and towns as a resource for education and technology, and as a good neighbor. MIT owns property in eight Massachusetts communities, paying taxes on its commercial property and offering payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for property that is legally tax exempt. In fiscal year 2007, the Institute continued its 79-year tradition of providing the City of Cambridge with a voluntary PILOT contribution, in the amount of $1.9 million. A new PILOT agreement with the city was signed in December of 2004 that provides long-term protection to the city's revenue stream. In addition, MIT paid or generated over $25.3 million in real estate taxes in FY07, and in doing so was the city's largest taxpayer.

MIT also supports Cambridge finances through other means, such as payments for licenses, fees, and permits, totaling over $7.1 million in fiscal year 2007. MIT is proud of its Cambridge First Purchasing Program, which resulted in the investment of over $64.9 million in Cambridge businesses in 2007. This program, together with taxes paid, payments in lieu of taxes, and municipal fees, brought MIT's 2007 economic contribution to the city to over $99 million. The Institute has a far-reaching impact on the economy of the region, serving as a magnet for investment and fueling an innovation economy with the research, start-ups, and talent pool it generates.

Faculty, staff, and students at MIT are involved in a broad range of volunteer activities in the community. The Institute's Public Service Center (PSC) serves as a resource for both MIT and local communities. PSC provides programming, guidance, information, and support to those who are interested in public service. More information is available at PSC's website: http://web.mit.edu/mitpsc/.

The Institute solidly supports community organizations that address the challenges Cambridge faces, including improving public education, protecting the environment, and promoting affordable housing opportunities. The MIT Community Service Fund makes financial grants to organizations in Cambridge where MIT volunteers dedicate their talent, time, and efforts. Examples of other community-based initiatives include the Elementary School Science Fair, which MIT hosts for Cambridge schoolchildren; Keypals, which pairs middle school students with MIT staff for email exchanges and visits to campus; and the Senior Citizens Luncheon, an event that brings 1,000 Cambridge senior citizens to MIT under the joint sponsorship of MIT and the city's mayor. The Institute also sponsors many community events such as museum exhibits, lectures, and concerts and supports selected community and business initiatives in Boston and the region.

For more information about MIT and the community, visit http://web.mit.edu/govt-relations/www/ or call the Office of Government and Community Relations at 617-253-1988.