The Bonner Foundation

The Bonner Foundation The Corella & Bertram Bonner Foundation is a private philanthropic organization in Princeton, NJ.

Since the Bonner Scholars Program was piloted at Berea College in 1990-91, we have worked with colleges and universities to support students to attend college and to be active and involved in community service while in school. In the first few years, an initial group of schools were identified to participate in this service-based scholarship program. The Bonner Scholars Program now operates on 24

campuses and supports 1,500 students annually to be actively involved in community service and social justice issues. Each school supports a director and a coordinator who oversee the general operations of the Bonner Program and has between 30 and 100 Bonner Scholars. In 1997, the effort to replicate the Bonner Program began with six campuses that worked in partnership with campuses with the Bonner Scholars Program. There are now more than 60 campuses operating Bonner Leader Programs, bringing the total number of campuses in the Bonner Network to more than 80.

Can you believe it’s already been 16 days since we all gathered for Summer Leadership Institute 2026? Time flies when yo...
06/23/2026

Can you believe it’s already been 16 days since we all gathered for Summer Leadership Institute 2026? Time flies when you’re building community and strengthening your commitment to civic engagement, equity, and public service.

From powerful plenary conversations to hands-on workshops and new connections across the Bonner Network, SLI 2026 reminded us what’s possible when we come together—united in purpose and ready to navigate the currents of change.

Stay tuned for our full news article recapping this year’s conference (highlights, photos, and takeaways coming soon).

Can you believe it… we’re only one day away!In Case You Missed It — last chance to sign up:📍Team Obstacle Course (Night ...
06/06/2026

Can you believe it… we’re only one day away!

In Case You Missed It — last chance to sign up:
📍Team Obstacle Course (Night 1): hosted by Josh McMullen: sign up to be matched with a random squad and compete to become Bonner Champions.

📍 Hangout in the Pool (Night 2): Don’t forget to bring, flip flops, your swim suite and a towel with you to cool off in the pool! There will be lockers available to change.

📍No-Talent Talent Show (Night 3) hosted by Alex Cruz: a totally judgment-free space to share *anything* you find entertaining — big, bold, chill, funny, musical, or just you being you. Spots are still open, so sign up now!

💡Also, don’t forget to review the SLI 2026 packing list (sent to your email) so you can avoid any last-minute runs — think comfortable clothes, shoes, reusable water bottle and toiletries!

✅Arrival + Registration:
When you arrive, head to the BEST West Multipurpose Room to grab your name tag, meal card, room assignment, and program packet. Registration runs 2–5 PM, and the area will stay set up/monitored so late arrivals can get settled quickly.

See you tomorrow!!

2 Days Until SLI 2026! Collaboration is right around the corner. 🌊⚓️Get ready to dive into Strategy Track sessions that ...
06/05/2026

2 Days Until SLI 2026! Collaboration is right around the corner. 🌊⚓️

Get ready to dive into Strategy Track sessions that bring Bonners together to share ideas, sharpen campus strategy, and navigate change with purpose — through peer learning, partner insights, and practical tools you can bring back home.

Plus, our elective workshops during block 4, will help you turn what you’ve learned through Bonner into real-world skills you can apply to your goals and career pathways — whether you’re building leadership, strengthening community engagement, or exploring new ways to create impact.

We can’t wait to learn more with you!

3 Days Until SLI 2026!We’re almost there — and we can’t wait to kick off the 2026 Summer Leadership Institute at Rutgers...
06/04/2026

3 Days Until SLI 2026!

We’re almost there — and we can’t wait to kick off the 2026 Summer Leadership Institute at Rutgers University–New Brunswick.

Get ready for our awesome All Group Plenary, “Beyond the Banks: A Journey Through Community, Place, and Impact”— a place-based experience that brings New Brunswick’s history, culture, and community to life through performances and stories from the people who know it best.

Then dive into our second and third elective workshop blocks!

Elective Workshop II highlights community-building and civic practice workshops—helping participants strengthen relationships, navigate differences, and explore values-driven approaches to leadership and engagement (from connection-centered sessions like Bonner Besties to dialogue and access-focused workshops, and even social entrepreneurship/civic futures).

Elective Workshop III continues the momentum with workshops that deepen skill-building and strategy—supporting participants in turning ideas into action through collaboration, creativity, and leadership practice across different contexts. And so many more! Which one will you attend?

To wrap up the day: Talent / No Talent Show — whether you sing, dance, perform spoken word, play an instrument, share a story time, do a magic trick, or show off an unlikely talent this is your moment. Bring any props you’ll want (instruments, supplies, outfits, etc.) and come as bold or as chill as you want — it’s a totally *stakes-free* space where the stage is all yours. Don’t worry you can still attend sing along and cheer on performers too! Make sure to sign up!

4 Days Until SLI 2026!We’re counting down to “Bonner on the Banks: United in Purpose, Navigating Currents of Change” — a...
06/03/2026

4 Days Until SLI 2026!

We’re counting down to “Bonner on the Banks: United in Purpose, Navigating Currents of Change” — and Monday is packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and have fun.

Start your morning with one of our elective workshop sessions, where you can explore topics like that will help you build stronger community through family groups, explore community-engaged teaching as a retention strategy, and identify career pathways shaped by service.

Then, meet national partners from across the Bonner Network at the Networking Fair. Learn more about the guaranteed scholarships for grad school program, summer internship opportunities or potential job opportunities too! Bring your resume if you have one — and if you don’t, no worries. Staff and alumni will be there for resume reviews and to help you get started.

The networking continues beyond the fair with Bonner Alumni speakers sharing their post-grad pathways and offering real advice on steps you can take now as a Bonner.

And to end the day? An all-inclusive evening at Rutgers’ Werblin Recreation Center — pool time, music, crafts, board games, and pickup sports, all in one place.

We can’t wait to welcome you — it all kicks off Sunday, June 7th at Rutgers University–New Brunswick!

This year's SLI conference theme,“Bonner on the Banks: United in Purpose, Navigating Currents of Change” invites college...
06/02/2026

This year's SLI conference theme,“Bonner on the Banks: United in Purpose, Navigating Currents of Change” invites college students, community partners, and higher education civic leaders to gather along the banks of the Raritan River at Rutgers University–New Brunswick to reflect on how community engagement can anchor and unite higher education during a time of rapid change.

Drawing inspiration from the river that has long connected communities in New Brunswick, the Opening Plenary session on Sunday, June 7th encourages participants to navigate today’s social, civic, and institutional currents together through partnership, dialogue, and collective action.

On Sunday evening, students can team up to compete in an obstacle course or build community through crafts and board games.

In the morning on Monday June 8th, choose from four Strategy Track sessions, featuring speakers from across the national Bonner Network on topics including strengthening Bonner enrollment, enhancing student leadership teams, senior leadership perspectives on higher education in times of crisis, and how social innovation connects to community engagement.

All this week we will feature highlights to come from 2026 SLI. Stay tuned!

Davidson College’s Mulliss Center for Civic Engagement is hiring an Assistant Director for Civic Engagement Programs to ...
05/19/2026

Davidson College’s Mulliss Center for Civic Engagement is hiring an Assistant Director for Civic Engagement Programs to lead “Engaging in Democracy” initiatives, signature events, and student mentorship. This role amplifies our shared mission of community engagement, equity, and public service, fostering civic leadership across campus and beyond.

Click the link below to learn more and apply.
http://www.bonner.org/announcements/2026/5/19/davidson-college-hiring-assistant-director-for-civic-engagement-programs

Recently profiled by Rhodes College, Rachel Carroll ’26, Bonner Scholar who chose to stay rooted in Memphis and lead imp...
05/19/2026

Recently profiled by Rhodes College, Rachel Carroll ’26, Bonner Scholar who chose to stay rooted in Memphis and lead impactful community work! 📣 From guiding youth at Bridges USA to coaching the South Side Wildcats and advancing health equity research, Rachel embodies our mission of civic leadership and equity.

Her story highlights how Bonner Scholars translate scholarship into real‑world change—empowering neighborhoods, fostering public service, and inspiring future leaders.

Learn more about Rachel’s journey and how you can join the Bonner Network to make a difference. Click the link below to learn more.
http://www.bonner.org/news/2026/5/19/staying-in-memphis-a-strategic-choice-for-bonner-scholar-rachel-carroll-26

TCNJ Bonners were recently recognized for their work with Mercer Street Friends and Gregory Elementary School—showing wh...
05/13/2026

TCNJ Bonners were recently recognized for their work with Mercer Street Friends and Gregory Elementary School—showing what sustained, relationship‑based service can look like in our communities.

Over the last few years, TCNJ Bonners have contributed hundreds of hours supporting classrooms, after‑school programming, and community events—helping create a caring, “family” atmosphere for students while providing extra support for teachers.

👏 Join us in celebrating this impact and learn more about how the TCNJ Bonners serve and lead in the NJ Community. Read the full story by clicking the link below:
http://www.bonner.org/news/2026/5/13/tcnj-bonners-help-students-at-gregory-elementary-school-thrive-with-mercer-street-friends

Address

10 Mercer Street
Princeton, NJ
08540

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16099246663

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