Isles & The Creek to Canal Launches $10,000 Small Grants Program For Artists

2025 Trenton Creative Network (TCN) Grant recipients Joseph Deacon, Raven George, Habiyb Shuaib, and Tyquan Benton, Special Projects Manager at Isles, are joined by Sean Jackson, CEO of Isles, during the Trenton Creatives Networking Brunch in Trenton on March 7, 2026. (Photo by Naeem Queen)

Trenton, NJ — March 7, 2026 — Isles, in partnership with the Creek to Canal (C2C) Creative District, officially launched the second round of the Trenton Creative Network (TCN) Grant during the 2nd Trenton Creatives Networking Brunch, held in Downtown Trenton.

The brunch brought together local artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders for a morning of connection, collaboration, and celebration of Trenton’s growing creative economy. The event served as both a networking opportunity and a platform to highlight the impact of the TCN Grant, featuring presentations from the 2025 grant recipients who shared their projects and community impact.

“The Trenton Creative Network Grant is about investing directly in the creative voices that shape our city,” said  said Tyquan Benton, Special Projects Manager at Isles, Inc. “We’re proud to continue supporting artists and community-driven projects that contribute to a vibrant and inclusive Downtown Trenton.”

Guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere that included local vendors, brunch offerings, and opportunities to engage with fellow creatives and cultural leaders. The event underscored the importance of building strong networks and creating accessible pathways for artists to bring their ideas to life.

As part of the launch, organizers announced that the 2026 TCN Grant will award four grants of $2,500 each to support creative projects aligned with the goals of the C2C Creative District. The funding is intended to uplift artists, foster community engagement, and activate spaces within Downtown Trenton through innovative and inclusive programming.

Applications for the grant are now open and will be accepted through April 28, 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply and attend upcoming informational sessions to learn more about the process and eligibility requirements.

The Trenton Creatives Networking Brunch reflects Isles’ ongoing commitment to strengthening Trenton’s creative ecosystem by connecting artists with resources, opportunities, and each other.

For more information about the Trenton Creative Network Grant or to apply, visit www.creektocanalcreativedistrict.org.

About Isles: Isles is a nonprofit community development organization based in Trenton that works to create healthy, sustainable communities where residents can thrive. For over 45 years, Isles has served tens of thousands of people by addressing inequities through innovative, interconnected services—including housing, environmental initiatives, education, job training, transportation, and pathways to financial stability—impacting communities across Mercer County and throughout New Jersey.

Contact:

Tyquan Benton

Special Projects Manager, Community Planning & Development

Isles inc.

609-341-4791 - tbenton@isles.org