Since its founding in 1947 the Princeton Italian-American Foundation has been a source of enjoyment and pride for the Italian-American Community. As a civic organization, PIAF has been very active in the Princeton and surrounding communities.
Princeton is the Sister City of Pettoranello del Molise, Italy, from where many residents can trace their ancestry.
In June 2024, the new Princeton Italian American Foundation was created. It is the next chapter in the historic legacy of the Italian contribution to the Princeton regional community.
Back in 1946, when the club was first formed, the mission was to create a safe place for Italian immigrants newly arrived in Princeton to gather together and celebrate their cultural and social traditions. They shared many years of varied recreational and social programs catering to all our members. They were wonderful, memorable and cherished years.
Over the past few decades, the membership has declined and the original mission of the club no longer continued to serve the community. In 2024 the members voted to dissolve the social club and establish a new charitable foundation. To that end, a new Board of Directors was established, and formulated a new mission to meet the needs of our community today. The new Princeton Italian American Foundation (PIAF) has shifted focus from a social, membership-based club to a not-for-profit endowment. PIAF will serve as a resource for the Italian American Community in the greater Princeton area; to preserve the Italian American heritage and culture; to promote and educate the community at large about the legacy of Italian Americans; and to strengthen ties between the United States and Italy.
PIAF will share the Italian culture and heritage through events and activities which are open to members, non-members of Italian descent, Italophiles and the community at large.
Fundraising efforts will go to support educational programs on Italian culture, language and history, exchange programs, and community outreach.