(TRENTON, NJ) - The Trenton Thunder Minor League Baseball team wants to support Trenton area non-profit organizations through a revised grant making program this year.

The team announced on Monday that Trenton Thunder Charities is now accepting applications for its 2012 Community Grant Program. The new program will support organizations that enhance the educational opportunities and quality of life for children as well as programs that support the betterment of the local community in general. Applications may be downloaded from www.trentonthunder.com.

Applicants should note that the number of grants awarded and their amount is determined by the amount of grant making funds raised each year. Trenton Thunder Charities is not an endowed foundation. Grant applications may be submitted through September 30, 2012. Grant(s) will be awarded November 15, 2012.

"The Thunder are very excited about the changes to our charitable giving plan," said Patience Purdy, Executive Director of Trenton Thunder Charities. "We have always been active in the community with in kind gifts, exposure and some monetary support but this grant program gives us a chance to make an impact with direct finanancial assistance."

It is not necessary to have tax-exempt status to apply for a Trenton Thunder Charities Grant. Priority will be given to Trenton based organizations that benefit children. Only one grant per 12 month period will be awarded to any organization.

Trenton Thunder Charities will not fund capital campaigns and fundraising events, other foundations, direct assistance to individuals, partisan political activities or religious activities (such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytizing) and organizations that discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, sexual orientation or disability.

The Trenton Thunder, the Double A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, have donated over $4.4 million in goods, services and monetary donations to community organizations in its 18 year history. The team will once again host fundraising events for Trenton Thunder Charities throughout the season. Trenton Thunder Charities is part of the Grand Slam We Care Foundation with its sister team, the Lakewood BlueClaws.

The 2012 Trenton Thunder season at home on Thursday, April 5 versus New Hampshire. Group tickets, season tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. Single game tickets for the 2012 season will go on sale on Wednesday, February 1 at 9:30 am online at trentonthunder.com, by phone at 609-394-3300 or in person at Waterfront Park.