Creek to Canal, an initiative of Isles, Inc., has announced the launch of the 2026 Trenton Creative Network Grant, a $10,000 funding opportunity aimed at supporting artists, small businesses and community-based organizations activating downtown Trenton through creative projects.
Funded through the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program, the grant supports initiatives that reflect Trenton’s culture, stories and lived experiences, using art and creativity to enliven public spaces, foster community connection and strengthen neighborhood pride.
The grant application period opens March 7 and runs through April 24. Applications will be accepted online at creektocanalcreative.org.
Creek to Canal focuses on reconnecting Trenton’s neighborhoods to their waterways by supporting art, culture and environmental storytelling that celebrates place, uplifts local creatives and encourages engagement throughout the city’s downtown corridor.
To mark the opening of the grant cycle, Creek to Canal will host a Trenton Creatives Networking Brunch on March 7 at Artworks Trenton, located at 19 Everett Alley. The event is open to artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and community members and will include brunch, networking opportunities and local artist and vendor shopping.
Organizers say that the program will also feature an overview of the 2026 grant cycle, details on eligible projects, and a panel discussion with 2025 grant recipients Raven George, Habiyb Shuaib and Joseph Deacon, followed by a question-and-answer session.
“The arts community in Trenton is thriving — residents are excited, engaged and showing up,” said Tyquan Benton, special projects manager at Isles. “This grant is about supporting that momentum and helping creatives continue building what’s already happening here.”
The Trenton Creative Network Grant is intended to be a part of Isles’ broader community-driven revitalization efforts, which look to place resources directly in the hands of local creatives shaping Trenton’s future through art, collaboration and care for place.
Tyquan benton & financial advisor and 2025 host Larry Paul.,
