Trent-Towne Market is deeply committed to serving our community and fostering equity

for those who are closest to the margins.  To support this mission, we are allocating

20% of our earnings into two community funds:

1. Trenton Fund Trenton (10%): This portion will be directed into a community giving
circle, governed by a community advisory committee.

2. Trenton Participatory Budgeting (PB) Implementation Fund (10%): This fund will
support the implementation and advocacy of participatory budgeting initiatives within
Trenton.
.
Benefits of a Giving Circle in Trenton’s Communities:

 

A giving circle is a collaborative philanthropic model where individuals pool their resources to support local initiatives,

thereby amplifying their collective impact. In urban communities, giving circles offer several advantages:

+ Enhanced Community Understanding: Members gain deeper insights into local issues
and organizations addressing them, fostering a more informed and engaged community.

+ Support for Local Nonprofits: Focuses on grassroots organizations, providing crucial
funding to initiatives that might otherwise be overlooked.

+ Strengthened Social Bonds: Encourages collaboration and a shared sense of purpose
among community members.

+ Empowerment Through Collective Action: Individuals feel more confident in their ability to effect change,

knowing they are part of a collective effort addressing community needs.

 

+ Home Rental Support. Provides financial assistance to renters facing economic hardship.

+ Helps stabilize housing for families at risk of displacement.

+ Connects residents with resources for tenant rights and legal assistance.

+ Small Business Support

+ Offers grants and micro-loans to local entrepreneurs in the TNI Zone.

+ Provides mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.

+ Encourages economic development by fostering locally owned businesses.

Benefits of Funding Participatory Budgeting Implementation and Advocacy

Participatory budgeting (PB) is a democratic process that allows community members to directly
decide how to allocate a portion of public funds. Investing in PB implementation and advocacy
yields multiple benefits:

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+ Increased Civic Engagement: Encourages residents to actively participate in decision-making, fostering a more

engaged and empowered citizenry.

+ Improved Transparency and Trust: Enhances transparency and builds trust between
the community and local government.

+ More Equitable Resource Allocation: Directs funding decisions toward projects that better reflect the

needs of underserved communities.

+ Enhanced Public Services: Leads to improvements in public services and infrastructure,
prioritizing projects chosen by residents.

Resources

For more information on participatory budgeting, giving circles, and community initiatives, visit:

 

+ Trenton Neighborhood Initiative (TNI): TNItrenton.org

+ Participatory Budgeting Resources: The Participatory Budgeting Project (pbseed.org)

+ Giving Circles Information: Philanthropy Together (philanthropytogether.org)

By investing in these community-driven initiatives, Trent-Towne Market aims to empower
residents, promote economic stability, and foster a more vibrant and inclusive community.