2026 C2C - Trenton Creative Network Grant

2026 C2C - Trenton Creative Network Grant
Each selected project will be awarded a maximum of $2500.

The Trenton Creative Network Grant will fund projects that focus on the Creek to Canal’s goals.

Goals:
- Expand access to arts education, workshops, and skill-building opportunities
- Include and encourage collaboration across artistic disciplines
- Uplift community identity, wellness, and lived experiences through creative expression
- Creative uses of downtown spaces (storefronts, salons, sidewalks, lobbies, parks, vacant lots)
- Creative projects that partner with downtown businesses (retailers, restaurants, salons, cafés, storefronts, organizations)
Examples of eligible projects:
- Photography, videography, or oral history projects highlighting local artists, festivals, or organizations including a multi-location art walk or cultural crawl
- Community cleanups with a creative component
- Group Exhibitions
  1. Photography
  2. Fashion
  3. Visual/fine arts
  4. Multi-Discipline
  5. Showcase/Performance (open mics, comedy show, talent shows)
- Hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and skill-building opportunities led by local artists
  1. Fashion design, sewing, photography, or beauty workshops paired with a public showcase or exhibition
  2. Live art, makeup, cosmetology, grooming, or self-care workshop
Ineligible Projects
- Discriminatory projects or organizations
- Debt reduction or operational support
- Capital campaigns or fundraising events
- Re-granting programs
- Scholarships
- Partisan political activities, lobbying, or election influence
- Religious activities (worship, instruction, proselytizing) – Religious organizations may apply for non-denominational activities open to all
- Additionally, priority is given to projects that enhance the beauty of Downtown Trenton, safety, equity, and vibrancy while investing in residents.
Application Process
1. Timeline:
- Launch Date: March 7, 2026
- Application Deadline: April 24, 2026
- Award Notification: May 25, 2026
2. Application Requirements
Applicants must submit an online form including:
- Project description
- Budget & timeline
- Portfolio or examples of past work
- Marketing & Promotion Plan
- Must provide a clear community benefit (not for private gain)
- Must be non-discriminatory
- Must take place in Downtown Trenton & benefit & its residents
3. Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Creativity & Innovation – Is the project unique and original?
- Community Impact – Does it benefit or engage the community?
- Feasibility – Can the project be realistically completed within the budget and timeline?
- Alignment with Goals – Does the project support the program’s objectives?
Selection Process & Grant Management
- Applications will be reviewed by a Grant Review Committee (local arts leaders, community members, and funders).
- Applicants may be interviewed or asked for additional information.
- Selected recipients will sign a grant agreement outlining fund use and reporting requirements.
- Payment Structure: 50% upfront, 50% upon project completion.
- Bi-weekly check-ins with grant administrator..
- Mid & Final Report: Recipients must submit 2 reports detailing project progress, outcomes, and lessons learned.
Submitting your application:

While we strongly encourage online submission via this form, any community members experiencing difficulty submitting or who are unable to access the online application should contact Tyquan Benton (tbenton@isles.org) (609) 341-4791.

Downtown Trenton & the Creek to Canal (C2C) Creative District
The Downtown neighborhood corresponds approximately to the “Hanover-Academy” section in city maps, and is bordered by North Willow Street, Assunpink creek, D&R canal, & route 1 (see map). This grant program only supports projects physically located inside Downtown Trenton. The Creek to Canal Creative District is the result of Trenton Arts in Focus, a year-long, citywide planning process that engaged more than 750 people from Trenton and beyond in a discussion about how arts and culture can be drivers for an equitable and sustainable Downtown.

This grant program supports grassroots revitalization and creative projects in the Downtown neighborhood. It was set up by Isles, Inc., a nonprofit that has worked to improve Downtown for over 30 years. Funds for this program come from the New Jersey Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program, which supports resident-led revitalization plans. This grant program builds on the priorities of the 2016 Creek to Canal (C2C) Creative District plan, which includes Downtown Trenton (available at www.creektocanalcreative.org). These two plans aim to make Downtown a safe, active, and vibrant community, with a particular focus on reclaiming underused buildings and spaces and supporting the arts as an agent of social change.

Contact Information
Applicant Name*

First NameLast Name
Artist or Business Name*
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email*
example@example.com
Please provide your preferred pronouns. (he/she/they)*
Mailing Address*

Street Address

UNIT / SUITE #

CityState

Zip Code

Visual ArtsPerforming ArtsLiterary ArtsDigital & Multimedia ArtsTextile & Craft ArtsOther
Provide a description of your artistry or creative business*
Please share a link to your artist/professional website (if applicable)
Please share your relationship and/or investment in Trenton. *
Upload photos from your portfolio or examples of past work*

Cancelof
Please list any career highlights you would like to share. *
In detail, describe your experience planning events/workshops. Do you have a team or partners that will support your project*

Project Summary
Project Name:*
Please provide a detailed description of your project. We want to know what your project looks like from beginning to the end. Please include names of workshops, events, locations, & potential partners have been confirmed*
If applicable, how many events/workshops does your project include? If more than one, please describe in detail.
Please provide a detailed promotion/marketing plan for your project. *
Expand access to arts education, workshops, and skill-building opportunitiesInclude and encourage collaboration across artistic disciplinesUplift community identity, wellness, and lived experiences through creative expressionCreative uses of downtown spaces (storefronts, salons, sidewalks, lobbies, parks, vacant lots)Creative projects that partner with downtown businesses (retailers, restaurants, salons, cafés, storefronts, organizations)
Please provide explanation of how your project aligns with the goals of the Creek to Canal *
How will your project engage the residents in the neighborhood?*

Project Location
Examples of potential site locations in the Creek to Canal Creative District (Applicants can choose locations outside of this list. However, the location must be in Downtown Trenton)
- Artworks Trenton
- Hanover Creative
- Hub13
- Much Better Studios
- Mercer County Community College (Kearny Campus)
- Passage Theatre
- Perry & Broad Venue Space
- The Hub
- Trenton Public Library
- Trenton Community A-Team
List at least 2 possible site locations
Name of potential site 1:*
Site Address*
Site Owner*
YesNo
If so, please upload a letter of agreement from the owner.

Cancelof
If not, please explain how you will obtain permission from the site owner(s) and where you are in the process (for example, beginning stages, potential obstacle(s), etc.)*

Name of Site 2:*
Site Address*
Site Owner*
YesNo
If so, please upload a letter of agreement from the owner.

Cancelof
If not, please discuss how you will obtain permission from the site owner(s) and where you are in the process (for example, beginning stages, potential obstacle(s), etc.)

Timeline
Our award notification date is May 25, 2026. Please answer the following questions with this timeline in mind.
What is the expected start date of your project? (MM/DD/YYYY)*

MonthDayYear
Date
What is the expected completion date of your project? (MM/DD/YYYY)*

MonthDayYear
Date
How many hours a week can you commit to your project?*
Please list the key milestones or phases of your project along with estimated completion dates (e.g., planning, material procurement, implementation, final presentation). Be descriptive so we can understand the full timeline of your project from start to finish.*
Are there any potential challenges that could impact your timeline? If so, how do you plan to address them?*

Grant Budget
1. Please include your budget in the table provided below. If you run out of space, please email remaining budget items to tbenton@isles.org.

2. Keep in mind that most projects would need to include venue space rental, cost flyers & flyer creation, and a photographer to capture photos for reporting.

3. Each selected project will be awarded a maximum of $2500.

Rows	Item	Cost ($)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Amount requested? (max request amount = $2,500)

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GET AWARDED:
1. Before you start your project:
Sign a grant agreement.

2. Develop a schedule with the grant administrator to meet bi-weekly for check-ins.

3. As you do your project:
Keep the following in mind, you will need to submit with your reports:
- Receipts for all purchases made with grant funds
- Proof of attendance/participation (Sign in sheets/ RSVP contact lists)
- Photographs (10-15 per event/workshop)
- Videos (social media reels, recap video, marketing videos, minimum 3)
4. Reports – during and after your project:
You’re required to send us two reports -- a progress report and a final report:
- Progress report to be completed via JotForm telling us what you’ve gotten done so far, what’s left to do, what (if any) challenges you’re facing, and how much you’ve spent.
- Final report to be completed via JotForm, summarizing your project with a reflection of what you did, your overall experience.
  ⎯ A financial summary listing all expenses, with copies of receipts
  ⎯ Photographs of your project, and any completed work
Should be Empty:

2026 C2C - Trenton Creative Network Grant

Each selected project will be awarded a maximum of $2500.

The Trenton Creative Network Grant will fund projects that focus on the Creek to Canal’s goals.

Goals:

Examples of eligible projects:

Contact Information

Project Summary

Project Location

Examples of potential site locations in the Creek to Canal Creative District (Applicants can choose locations outside of this list. However, the location must be in Downtown Trenton)

List at least 2 possible site locations

Timeline

Our award notification date is May 25, 2026. Please answer the following questions with this timeline in mind.

Grant Budget

1. Please include your budget in the table provided below. If you run out of space, please email remaining budget items to tbenton@isles.org.