Princeton Perks fundraising card to support local schools and businesses will be offered a second year

Princeton Perks, a discount card program that was launched in 2021 as a fundraiser for the public schools in Princeton, will continue in 2022.

The Princeton Perks discount card for 2022 is in the works, with a growing list of participating businesses and special incentives available for sponsors. In 2021, more than 80 local shops and restaurants participated in the program, offering cardholders discounts. If you want your business to participate in 2022, you can sign up online.

Princeton Perks is a partnership between local businesses and the parent-teacher organizations for each of the seven public schools in Princeton. Through the loyalty card program, businesses get more local shoppers, shoppers get a discount when they spend their dollars locally, and schools raise funds for extra programming. 

“We are so happy to be a part of Princeton Perks,” said Lauren Gellman, owner of the downtown treat shop Milk & Cookies. “It is a wonderful way for our friends to support both local businesses and their schools at the same time.”  

Businesses typically offer cardholders 10% off, though some deals are restricted to certain days of the week or types of merchandise.

For 2022, Princeton Perks is offering two tiers of participation to local business owners. Sponsoring businesses will pay $100 to be listed on the back of the discount card and receive special mention in advertising and social media campaigns. All other businesses are still able to participate for free and will be listed on the website. They can also display Princeton Perks decals near cash registers and in store windows.  

In 2021, the school PTOs sold more than 1,000 cards and collectively raised $17,500. Funds were used to help pay for curriculum support, arts and cultural enrichment, outdoor classroom space, summer programs for children in need, and end-of-year activities for rising 6th and 9th graders.  

“Being a small business owner in this community has given me the opportunity to connect with so many residents from town and fellow business owners,” said Sweta Patel, owner of Creative Cakes by Sweta. “I am always amazed by the generosity and enthusiasm on display here and I feel privileged that my baked goods were a small part of local school fundraisers and charities.” 

The current card expires on December 31, which means that Princeton residents who purchased a Princeton Perks discount card last spring can still take advantage of this year’s deals through the holiday shopping season.

Princeton Perks is a collaborative effort that was launched by parents at the Community Park, Littlebrook, Riverside, and Johnson Park elementary schools. The Princeton Charter School, Princeton Middle School, and Princeton High School PTOs quickly joined the expanding program. Parent representatives from all of the schools are currently working together to create next year’s card, which will be available in early January.  

For more information on the Princeton Perks program or how to sign up your local business, visit www.princetonperks.com or email princetonperks@gmail.com. 

Avatar of Krystal Knapp

Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.