about

The Contribution Project is a nonprofit that provides funds to young people to pursue a project of their own design.

Contributions drive progress. We believe that Contribution Projects will become catalysts for impactful innovation and positive change, creating ripples that extend beyond the present moment and immediate surroundings. We support Contribution Projects in hopes of creating a brighter, more innovative future for everyone.

Dr. Anthony Burrow

Our Story

In 2019, Dr. Anthony Burrow received Cornell University’s Engaged Scholar Prize for his contributions to creating engaged learning and research opportunities for students. This prize came with a generous monetary award to support further student engagement and learning. Working with several collaborators, Dr. Burrow and the team decided that in order engage students they would solicit and support the ideas students themselves are most passionate about – the things they spend their time, energy, and effort working on. Thus, the Contribution Project was established to support students wishing to make a difference in ways meaningful to them. 

So far, the project has been administered in 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Over 250 individual students and student teams have been supported in their pursuit of the contributions they told us they wanted to make.

In 2024, the Contribution Project expanded to include students at Binghamton University, Stony Brook University, as well as Cornell University. The growth of this project is exciting and provides a chance to discover what contribution looks like across a broader range of campuses and communities. In surveys, 100% of 2024 participants said they enjoyed the Contribution Project, and 91% said they felt they had learned skills that would support them in future endeavors.

  • “The most rewarding part of this experience was seeing the real difference we made in people's lives. We brought mental health resources and support to those who needed it most, and it was incredibly fulfilling to know we were making a tangible impact. But what really made this project special was the teamwork. Working side by side with dedicated volunteers, local organizations, and community leaders was a powerful reminder that we're stronger together. We shared a common goal and supported each other every step of the way. It was a testament to the power of collaboration and collective purpose. And let's not forget the valuable lessons I learned along the way! Launching a community project on a tight timeline and budget required creative problem-solving, adaptability, and resilience. I developed skills that will serve me well in future endeavors and help me navigate any challenges that come my way.”

    A 2024 Contribution Project participant

  • “The most valuable thing about this experience was being able to practice my leadership skills and impact my community for the better. Before this experience, I had never really stepped outside my comfort zone, and always followed what others set up, and participated in initiatives others founded. In this project, I learned how to be that leader, and also got to give back to my local public library, where I also used to attend programs like this as a child.”

    A 2024 Contribution Project Participant

  • “Everything about this project was extremely valuable! I wrote my first grant, kept track of recipients and our budget, and managed a huge project. My NAHS members designed lesson plans, led group discussions, and facilitated a room of 16 middle school students. Our students experimented with different art styles and mediums, learned how to manage strong emotions using visual art, and practiced their interpersonal skills. All participants benefited from this project. Overall, though, the most valuable thing I took away from this project is that I can have an impact. Over the course of our project, I watched 16 students grow, not only in their art abilities but also as individuals. I watched five young high schoolers learn that they can create change. And I learned that I can have a positive impact on my community, one project at a time.”

    An educator who facilitated a 2024 Contribution Project Group

Why Contributions?

Contributions drive societal progress. We believe that when students are supported in making contributions, they become catalysts for impactful innovation and positive change. Such contributions create ripples that extend beyond the present moment and immediate surroundings.

The science backs it! A growing body of research suggests contribution isn't a one-way street. It's a powerhouse for both givers and receivers. Engaging in acts of service, innovation, and community-building doesn't just benefit others; it fuels personal growth, well-being, and purpose.

Supporting contributors is investment in a brighter, more innovative future for everyone. It's about cultivating a world that thrives on their energy and groundbreaking ideas. We invite you to join us in supporting and amplifying these contributions for a world that thrives on energy and ideas.

Five things we hope to learn by investing in contribution:

One: Does contributing influence the health and wellbeing of contributors?

Two: Does contributing create new social networks or strengthen existing ones?

Three: What kinds of contributions lead to longterm and scalable change?

Four: Can relatively small contributions have large impacts on structures or policies?

Five: Do the beneficiaries of contributions report positive impacts?

In the News

  • Listen to Dr. Anthony Burrow on the Hidden Brain Podcast in episode “Happiness 2.0: Cultivating Your Purpose”

  • The Cornell Chronicle reported on the Contribution Project’s return and growth in 2024. Read here.

  • Clay Jeon a First-Year Student at SUNY Binghamton, won the Al Vos Excellence in Community Engagement for his Contribution Project. Read here.

  • Two students at SUNY Binghamton used their Contribution Project to help start a new initiative—the Gender Bender Closet with gender-affirming gear/apparel options. Read here.

  • Dr. Anthony Burrow was interviewed on the importance of having purpose for a UCLA research piece. Read here.

  • Multiple students showcased their 2024 projects, as featured in the Cornell Chronicle. Read here.