The Trenton Times published the following article on July 21, 2013. To read the full article, click here.

McCarter Theatre, Artworks, among nine recipients of grant money from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation

Nine Mercer County nonprofits were awarded $347,500 in grants from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation in its second round of grantmaking this year, the organization said this week.

The McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts in Princeton was granted $75,000 to support the 2013-2014 season, theater spokesman Dan Bauer said. He said the money would support the theater’s offerings, new play development, arts education and outreach.

The theater has received grants from the foundation each year since 2008, according to the foundation’s online database.

The Arts Council of Princeton was granted $20,000 and the Princeton Symphony Orchestra received $10,000, according to the Dodge Foundation’s website.

Trenton-based Artworks and Trenton Community Music School each received $30,000 grants, the website said.

Isles, Inc., a Trenton-based green development organization, received a $70,000 grant to use for its inner-city agriculture programs such as YouthGrow, a program that teaches city children about horticulture and nutrition.

“When we do community planning efforts with neighborhoods we like to do gardening where people want it and where they need it,” said Julia Taylor, the managing director of community planning and development.

Isles has received grant money each year since 2008, according to the Dodge Foundation’s website.

The Trenton Museum Society received its first grant from the foundation this year. The $7,500 grant will offset general operating costs, according to the foundation’s website.
The society offers local history exhibitions and programs at the Ellarslie Mansion in Cadwalader Park.

Trenton’s Passage Theatre Company was granted $60,000 and the Trenton Children’s Chorus was granted $15,000, the website said.

Sustainable Jersey, a state-wide organization based in Ewing, was granted $300,000 for its municipal certification programs that support sustainable development in New Jersey communities.

A total of $500,000 was granted to statewide organizations based in Mercer County, according to the website.

Other nonprofits with operations in Mercer but that have a statewide focus also received grant money. The Children’s Home Society was granted $25,000, the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers received two $20,000 grants, New Jersey Charter Schools Association was granted $60,000, New Jersey Futures received $70,000 and Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation was granted $25,000.

Contact Alyssa Mease at amease@njtimes.com or at (609) 989-5673.