CITYWIDE

​GRANT AMOUNTS

Applicants may request up to $7,500. We expect most grants to be between $1,000 to $5,000.

 

WHO CAN APPLY

We prioritize projects designed and led by Trenton residents and people with lived experience related to the project. Applicants are not required to have 501(c)3 nonprofit status. However, please note that grant funds are considered taxable income by the State of New Jersey and the IRS unless the recipient entity is tax-exempt. We also require a W9 with either an EIN or SSN to issue each grant. Grant recipients are responsible for all income reporting and all associated tax payments. We strongly encourage applicants who do not have 501(c)3 status to partner with a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that can serve as a fiscal sponsor for the project. 

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Note for larger organizations: I Am Trenton prioritizes grassroots initiatives that do not have access to other funding. We do not preclude applications from larger or more established organizations, but realistically these rarely get funded unless (1) the project is "very Trenton" and (2) a strong and compelling explanation is given for why the organization cannot fund it through its regular resources. 

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I Am Trenton reserves the right to disqualify an applicant that has not submitted satisfactory reports or complied with grant requirements in our other grant cycles. If you currently have an open grant, please talk to us (grants@iamtrenton.org) before applying.

 

HOW TO APPLY

All applications must be submitted through an online form via Monday using the "apply here" button below. In keeping with our goals to become more inclusive:

• We will accept applications in Spanish as well as English. 

• Applicants have the option of uploading their Project Details as a short written essay OR as a short video (a conversation with your camera, not a fancy production). Please see the application for details. 

 

WE DO NOT FUND

• Projects or organizations that discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

• Debt reduction or on-going operational support 

• Capital campaigns or fundraising events

• Re-granting programs

• Scholarships

• Partisan political activities, lobbying, or efforts to influence an election

• Religious activities such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytizing. Religious organizations can apply for non-denominational activities that are open to all and do not require participation in religious services.

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TIMELINE

1. Pre - application workshops 

   1. First time applicants must attend a workshop

   2. Past grantees are strongly encouraged to attend

2. Application deadline - Applications are due on August 15th, 2025 at 11:59 Eastern Time. 

3. ​Notification of awards - We expect to notify applicants on whether their application was funded or not by October 24, 2025. 

4. Check Presentation / gathering - We will give out checks to grantees at a gathering the week of November 10th, 2025. Details will be shared with grantees once finalized.

5. Grant activities should occur between November 1, 2025 and October 30th, 2026.

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APPLICATION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 15TH, 2025, AT 11:59 P.M.

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