A major gift from alumni Christopher A. Cole and Barbie Cole has named the Climate and Energy Challenge within Princeton University’s High Meadows Environmental Institute, according to a March 25 announcement.
The newly named Griffin-Cole Climate and Energy Grand Challenge Fund will support research and teaching initiatives focused on climate change and energy solutions. The fund aims to enhance student research experiences, encourage faculty innovation, and foster collaboration across disciplines in environmental studies.
“Through this generous gift, Chris and Barbie Cole are catalyzing and broadening the collaborative environmental research at which Princeton excels,” said President Christopher L. Eisgruber. “I am deeply grateful for their belief in this work and in the faculty and students who pursue it together.”
The fund is part of HMEI’s Grand Challenges Program, which supports multidisciplinary efforts to address urgent environmental issues. Gabe Vecchi, director of HMEI, said: “The Coles’ remarkable gift is already making a major impact on creative inquiry in HMEI… we are excited to announce significant funding from the Griffin-Cole Climate and Energy Grand Challenge Fund for five interdisciplinary research teams.” These initial awards will support projects addressing alternative energy, energy efficiency, climate dynamics, and ecosystem impacts.
Chris Cole said: “Barbie and I believe deeply in Princeton University and higher education. We also believe that climate change is an issue that needs to be urgently addressed. The idea of funding research at Princeton to seek solutions to climate change is an ideal way to marry our interests.” Barbie Cole added: “Princeton’s emphasis on including undergraduate and graduate students in Grand Challenges research… is inspiring, and we are delighted to see our gift being put to work immediately on research that promises to have a meaningful impact on addressing climate change.”
The Coles’ philanthropic involvement reflects their longstanding commitment to environmental advocacy organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), The Watershed Institute in New Jersey, Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation on Martha’s Vineyard, as well as service roles at various educational institutions.
Their donation was made through the Venture Forward campaign—a fundraising effort supporting Princeton’s strategic priorities—which concluded June 30, 2025.
