The Trenton Arts Fund is a field-of-interest initiative managed by the Princeton Area Community Foundation. Established in 2018 by Trenton residents David Henderson and John Hatch, the Fund's mission is to support artists and arts organizations within the City of Trenton while preserving the city's rich cultural and historical identity. It was founded on the belief that a vibrant arts scene can significantly enhance Trenton's appeal as a place to live, work, and visit. The Fund supports organizations that contribute to the arts, culture, and history in Trenton, with a strong focus on inclusion, community revitalization, and youth engagement.
The Fund offers one-year grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. These grants can be applied toward public performances, exhibitions, educational programs, and general operating expenses. Priority is given to projects that both produce artistic work and engage the Trenton community—particularly its children, teens, and young adults—as audiences or participants. Applications must originate from organizations located within Trenton city limits, and services must be delivered within the same geographic scope. Organizations must have physical offices and facilities based in Trenton to qualify.
Eligibility requires that applicants be recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1), (2), or (3), and registered as a charity in good standing with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Fiscal sponsorship is permitted, particularly for emerging groups that do not yet have 501(c)(3) status. In such cases, the fiscal sponsor must submit the application and will be the sole recipient of any grant funds awarded. A formal Fiscal Sponsor Agreement is required with all such submissions.
Applications are submitted electronically and must include a project description, budget, organizational background, mission, and relevant financial documentation, including the latest IRS Form 990. The 2025 grant cycle opened on October 1, with a virtual information session held on October 7. Completed applications were due by noon on November 5. All applicants receive automated confirmation upon submission. Final funding decisions, based on alignment with TAF's mission, project feasibility, community impact, and fiscal responsibility, are communicated by December 5.
Grantees are required to use funds strictly as proposed. Any changes in program direction must be communicated to the Foundation. End-of-grant reporting is mandatory and includes both financial and qualitative assessments of project outcomes. Failure to report disqualifies grantees from future funding rounds. The program is recurring annually, with the next application cycle expected to open in October 2026.
Ensure all materials are submitted before the deadline; incomplete applications are not reviewed.
