Some higher education leaders have suggested that colleges and universities could generate state support if they were more productively engaged in addressing societal needs. This multi-case study examines how community engagement is expressed and understood at institutions that vary in their expected levels of state appropriations. The findings suggest that institutions with higher than expected levels of state appropriations over a 20-year period were located in urban, politically powerful districts with prevalent community engagement opportunities, had less intensive research missions, manifested campus cultures supporting engagement, and relationships with community and industry partners that were reciprocal and mutually beneficial.