Creative District Funding Opportunities
"Trenton Creative Network Grant"
The TCN Grant will support local artists and creative businesses in creating impactful community projects in Downtown Trenton’s C2C Creative District.
OVERVIEW
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Grant Amount: 4 grants of $2,500 each
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Funding Structure: 50% upfront, 50% within 30 days of project completion
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Eligibility: Artists and creative businesses with projects located within Downtown Trenton’s Creek to Canal Creative District
GOALS
Awarded applicants must select 2-3 goals from the list below and explain how their project will achieve them:
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Develop a welcoming and supportive creative community
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Establish physical connections with nearby Arts & Culture institutions
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Encourage arts exploration of Trenton’s assets
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Strengthen connections between arts and culture destinations within Old Trenton (OTN)
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Foster a full-service community for artists and creative entrepreneurs
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Integrate art in parks to draw people in
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Create opportunities for artists and creatives to teach or mentor
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Expand programming to integrate creativity into social services
Eligible Projects
Grants may be used for projects related to:
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1. Creative Activation of Spaces
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Visual Arts, Design, and Beautification (e.g., murals, sculptural installations, streetscape improvements, lighting installations)
2. Culture & Performing Arts
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Festivals, oral history projects, public concerts, theater, dance performances, etc.
3. Community Investment
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Projects benefiting downtown residents (e.g., education, youth development, elderly enrichment, sports programs)
Ineligible Projects
This grant will NOT fund:
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Discriminatory projects or organizations
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Debt reduction or operational support
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Capital campaigns or fundraising events
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Re-granting programs
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Scholarships
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Partisan political activities, lobbying, or election influence
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Religious activities (worship, instruction, proselytizing) – Religious organizations may apply for non-denominational activities open to all
TIMELINE
Launch Date
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2/10/2025
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Submission Deadline
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3/31/2025
Award Notification
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4/28/2025
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit an online form including:
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Project description
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Budget & timeline
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Portfolio or examples of past work (optional but recommended)
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Must provide a clear community benefit (not for private gain)
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Must be non-discriminatory
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Must benefit Downtown Trenton and its residents
Selection Criteria
​Applications will be evaluated based on:
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Creativity & Innovation – Is the project unique and original?
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Community Impact – How does it benefit or engage the community?
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Feasibility – Can the project be realistically completed within the budget and timeline?
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Alignment with Goals – Does the project support the program’s objectives?
Selection Process
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Applications will be reviewed by a Grant Review Committee (local arts leaders, community members, and funders).
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Applicants may be interviewed or asked for additional information.
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Selected recipients will sign a grant agreement outlining fund use and reporting requirements.
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Payment Structure: 50% upfront, 50% upon project completion.
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Final Report: Recipients must submit a brief report detailing project outcomes and lessons learned.
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CONTACT

Questions or comments?
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Please email:
Tyquan Benton
Special Projects Manager, Isles