I Am Trenton, Trenton, NJ (2026)

02/12/2026

We’re hiring! I Am Trenton is looking for a photographer to help us capture dope images of some of our grantees! Interested? Send us an email by March 1st letting us know of your interest. Examples of your work are welcome!

01/17/2026

‼️🚨 Our 2026 Downtown Trenton Neighborhood grant round is HERE!!! 📣 🚨‼️

In anticipation of America250, the Semiquincentennial celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we are launching a grant round to support the visions and missions of those within our community who embrace the TRUE spirit of the espoused American ideals of liberty, equality, justice, democracy, freedom and opportunity, as declared in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

All projects proposed must take place in the Downtown Trenton neighborhood. Please see our website, www.iamtrenton.org/downtown-trenton for full details as well as workshop dates and registration (workshop attendance is required for all applicants).

12/02/2025

📆 Countdown to Giving Tuesday!

TODAY IS THE DAY! If you haven't given yet, what are you waiting for? Take it from a couple of our Citywide 2025 grantees at Emija's Hope Center, your gift is worth more than you can imagine! Gifts to I Am Trenton are passed on directly to our grantees, creating access and equity in the grant space.

Where we put our money MATTERS. How we choose to spend the dollars we have is a direct reflection of our priorities and values. How are you being reflected through your pockets? Our Interim Executive Director, Caitlin, talks about her journey with aligning her wallet and her heart:

"A few years ago, I started a tradition. Each year, I would commit to giving to new organization or cause on a monthly basis. I had recognized that I somehow always managed to find the extra $5 or $10 to add a new streaming services or app subscription, yet was always reluctant to commit to contributing that same amount to supporting an organization or resource that I felt was important, or even ones that I used. Where my money was going was out of alignment with what my values were, and I wanted to change that. I started by signing up to give monthly to NPR, because I listen to Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me almost every weekend, and I value their reporting and other shows. I have since added PBS, ACLU and the Trenton Pride Center to that rotation. This year, I committed to giving to The Trenton Journal. As local media, objective reporting and journalistic integrity have come under major attack and we have lost many reputable reporting resources in the city, it felt important to me to support a publication that is endeavoring to offer that to the community. It feels really good to know that my money is supporting people and places that align with my values instead of some big corporation or billionaire. I’d much rather know that my neighbor, my community, or the people who need it most, will feel the impact of my giving.”

How will you transform what your dollars do? Give or learn more about I Am Trenton at the links in our bio or visit:

https://givebutter.com/TrentonGives

www.iamtrenton.org

12/02/2025

📆 Countdown to Giving Tuesday!

We are just ONE day away from Giving Tuesday and today we are giving you a Two-For-One Special! One of our generous donors Linda shared with us why she commits to giving to I Am Trenton:

"[My husband and I] decided some time ago to pay heed to the Sermon on the Mount, wherein we are instructed to not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. In other words, give and help without looking for affirmation, thanks, or recognition. Furthermore, we prefer to give locally, to people and organizations like IAT who help people -- neighbors who help neighbors. The rewards are generally immediate, as are the needs. Give until it hurts!"

At I Am Trenton, 100% of your contribution goes toward our grant rounds, which means your dollars go directly to supporting the great ideas and initiatives of Trentonians who are supporting other Trentonians. It is the very definition of "give local."

Why wait, when you can give today! Give or learn more about I Am Trenton at the links in our bio or visit:

https://givebutter.com/TrentonGives

www.iamtrenton.org

12/02/2025

📆 Countdown to Giving Tuesday!

We are just ONE day away from Giving Tuesday! And unlike Black Friday retailers, our prices never go up, only our grant amounts!! Today our Board member Najah talks about why giving to National Junior Tennis and Learning of Trenton is close to her heart:

"Each year, I choose to give to NJTL of Trenton, an organization that holds a special place. Our youngest grew up in the program, starting at just 9 years old, discovering her love for the game, becoming a junior coach, and even delivering a powerful speech at NJTL’s annual gala while still in high school.
NJTL of Trenton has been more than a program. It has been a partner, a beacon of light, and a vital resource for children in and around The Town (aka Trenton, NJ). On Giving Tuesday, I’m proud to support their mission of empowering youth through tennis, education, and character development."

Initiatives like NJTL, Princeton National Rowing Association, Kappabotics, and First Tee of Greater Trenton give youth access to activities that they might not otherwise be exposed to. I Am Trenton seeks to support these kinds of ideas and initiatives in getting off the ground, growing, and securing their foothold in this community to continue being resources to Trenton youth for generations.

We are only able to support these amazing programs because of your generosity! Thanks to your contributions and the work of our all volunteer board, we help to fund on the ground, grass roots projects and organizations, creating opportunities for smaller operations to scale and grow in ways they otherwise might not be able to - Making your dollars matter!

At I Am Trenton, 100% of your contribution goes toward our grant rounds, which means your dollars go directly to supporting the great ideas and initiatives of Trentonians who are supporting other Trentonians. It is the very definition of "give local."

Why wait, when you can give today! Give or learn more about I Am Trenton at the links in our bio or visit:

https://givebutter.com/TrentonGives

www.iamtrenton.org

11/30/2025

📆 Countdown to Giving Tuesday!

It's almost time! Giving Tuesday is right around the corner, but it's never too early to give! Our Board Co-President Michelle tells about contributing to her neighbors through her gifts to HomeFront:

"Giving Tuesday is a great reminder that we are one community, connected and caring. When I first moved to NJ in 1993, I was introduced to HomeFront and its mission to end homelessness in Mercer County. I was touched by a child's drawing of a house on fire, with a little boy in the window saying "Help Me!" Ever since then, I've been helping. We haven't ended homelessness yet -- but HomeFront continues to help families and children find safety, dignity and hope. So when I give -- on Tuesday and throughout the year -- my priorities are I Am Trenton and HomeFront. I like seeing the impact of my donations and knowing that, together, we are making a real difference in the lives of our neighbors."

Watching the ways in which HomeFront has expanded to serve so many over the years is an inspiration! And just like all great things, it started as an idea. Your contributions to I Am Trenton allow us to provide grants to ideas like the one that began HomeFront. Because of your generosity, we are able to help fund on the ground, grass roots projects and organizations, creating opportunities for smaller operations to scale and grow in ways they otherwise might not be able to - Making your dollars matter!

At I Am Trenton, 100% of your contribution goes toward our grant rounds, which means your dollars go directly to supporting the great ideas and initiatives of Trentonians who are supporting other Trentonians. It is the very definition of "give local."

Why wait, when you can give today! Give or learn more about I Am Trenton at the links in our bio or visit:

https://givebutter.com/TrentonGives

www.iamtrenton.org

11/30/2025

📆 Countdown to Giving Tuesday!

4 days to go! It's starting to get chilly out, so today we want to give a shout out to the KIND Collective, one of I Am Trenton's many previous grantees! The KIND Collective is a small, local group that supports our unhoused neighbors with food, clothing, warming supplies and other needs. Kelly, one of I Am Trenton's OGs, tells us about her commitment to give to the KIND Collective :

"Supporting The Kind Collective (TKC) supports dignity and chances for all in our community. JC (TKC founder)’s commitment to making sure all are seen and valued regardless of their difficulties at the present is pure love. JC and TKC Team continuously go out to the community of which many are unhoused and have addiction and mental health situations to listen and provide what they can so that they just might see their value and decide to help themselves. The Team is always there to help with the first steps.
Earlier this month they created an event on Hoffman to provide testing, access to resources, food, clothing, conversation and support. A number of people that showed up said it is the first time there was an event like this on Hoffman.

The love and support they provide daily is a thing of beauty."

Your contributions to I Am Trenton allow us to continue to provide grants to on the ground, grass roots projects and organizations just like (and including!) The Kind Collective. These grants create opportunities for these kinds of operations to scale and grow in ways they otherwise might not be able to - Making your dollars matter!

At I Am Trenton, 100% of your contribution goes toward our grant rounds, which means your dollars go directly to supporting the great ideas and initiatives of Trentonians who are supporting other Trentonians. It is the very definition of "give local."

To give or learn more about I Am Trenton, see the links in our bio or visit:

https://givebutter.com/TrentonGives

www.iamtrenton.org

11/29/2025

📆 Countdown to Giving Tuesday!

We hope you are enjoying your leftovers this Friday after Thanksgiving! We are 5 days away from Giving Tuesday and today we're giving thanks to Trenton Area Soup Kitchen for the amazing work they do, including the hearty Thanksgiving meal they prepare for patrons. Our board member Stuart totally agrees, which is why he chooses to give local to TASK:

"I typically give to TASK on Giving Tuesday. I've always admired the work they do, day in, day out. There is no off season or even an off day for the important work they do. In addition to feeding the hungry, I believe strongly in the power of the Adult Education programs they provide, helping people to believe in themselves. I started my career as an adult education/GED instructor and I still look back at that as some of the most meaningful work I have done."

We hope that this holiday season you will consider giving local as well, because giving local feels good and it goes far!

At I Am Trenton, 100% of your contribution goes toward our grant rounds, which means your dollars go directly to supporting the great ideas and initiatives of Trentonians who are supporting other Trentonians. It is the very definition of "give local."

Ready to make a donation, or learn more about I Am Trenton? See the links in our bio or visit:

https://givebutter.com/TrentonGives

www.iamtrenton.org

11/29/2025

📆 Countdown to Giving Tuesday!

Happy Thanksgiving!! The I Am Trenton team and our many grantees are so thankful for the generosity of those who support us. Without YOU, I Am Trenton and the hundreds of projects we support wouldn't be possible.

Did you know that I Am Trenton's operations depend on our all-volunteer board, almost 90% of whom are Trenton residents? Our entire team is committed to the empowerment of other Trenton residents and contributing to the vibrancy of our great community. And not only does our board give their time to support I Am Trenton, but they are also committed to giving in other ways to support the community. Our team truly believes in the power and responsibility of community.

Today, our board member Thelma tells us about where in the community she gives for Giving Tuesday:

"I give to LALDEF (Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund) on Giving Tuesday. As an alum of their first-generation college prep program, I’ve lived firsthand the impact of their community care and rigor. Through their legal services, my neighbors, family members and friends have received the representation they needed during the scariest times of their lives. LALDEF has been a resource for thousands of people in our city, and I’m proud to continue supporting their work.”

I Am Trenton is PEOPLE POWERED. 💪 100% of your contribution goes to fund our grant rounds, which means your dollars go directly to supporting the great ideas and initiatives of Trentonians who are supporting other Trentonians. It is the very definition of "give local."

Ready to make a donation, or learn more about I Am Trenton? See the links in our bio or visit:

https://givebutter.com/TrentonGives

www.iamtrenton.org

11/29/2025

📆 Countdown to Giving Tuesday!

On day 7 of our countdown, our board member Regina talks about her philosophy on giving:

Is it what you give, or where?

"I learned long ago that the best way to see what person values is to look at their checkbook. It’s not the amount, it’s the places we support that define us beyond our basic needs for food and shelter. My checkbook would tell that, in addition to I Am Trenton, I especially value the work of The Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, NJ Policy Perspective and my church (especially our work on social justice). Additionally, It is important to me to support local businesses, especially thru monthly Eat Local events."

I Am Trenton is PEOPLE POWERED. 💪 100% of your contribution goes to fund our grant rounds, which means your dollars go directly to supporting the great ideas and initiatives of Trentonians who are supporting other Trentonians. It is the very definition of "give local."

Ready to make a donation, or learn more about I Am Trenton? See the links in our bio or visit:

https://givebutter.com/TrentonGives

www.iamtrenton.org

11/29/2025

📆 Countdown to Giving Tuesday!

This 🦃🎄🕎 season, we'd like to share with you all a little about I Am Trenton and what we think about giving! We'll introduce you to some of our board members and donors, who will tell you about their feelings around giving!

Today, our board member Meaghan shares her thoughts on what giving means to her!:

"When I see the words ‘I Am Trenton’ attached to the words 'Community Foundation,' I see the opportunity for a native Trenton and resident like myself to give money, time and/or other resources to efforts that provide pride for the city of Trenton. It’s an empowerment that can best be associated with civic pride.”

I Am Trenton is PEOPLE POWERED. 💪 100% of your contribution goes to fund our grant rounds, which means your dollars go directly to supporting the great ideas and initiatives of Trentonians who are supporting other Trentonians. It is the very definition of "give local."

Ready to make a donation, or learn more about I Am Trenton? See the links in our bio or visit:

https://givebutter.com/TrentonGives

www.iamtrenton.org

I Am Trenton

02/12/2026

01/17/2026

12/02/2025

12/02/2025

12/02/2025

11/30/2025

11/30/2025

11/29/2025

11/29/2025

11/29/2025

11/29/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Organization

Shortcuts

Share

Category