New Jersey Historic Trust Announces New Preservation Grant Round and Applicant Workshop

TRENTON - The New Jersey Historic Trust is posting guidelines and applications for a $10.2 million round of historic preservation grants. The grants are available for both historic preservation planning and capital preservation projects. Funding for the grants is dedicated from the Garden State Preservation Trust Fund, which voters approved in November 2009.

"Since 1990, the Historic Trust has awarded more than 600 grants worth $120 million to worthy preservation projects in every county in the state," said Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Lori Grifa. "Not only do these grants create jobs, but they jumpstart private fundraising for non-profit preservation organizations."

In this grant round, applicants may apply for Historic Site Management Grants, which range from $5,000 to $50,000. The grants may be used to fund the preparation of plans and studies needed to improve site stewardship, maintenance and interpretation. Applicants may also apply for Capital Preservation Grants, which range from $50,000 to $750,000 and may be used to fund the repair, restoration, rehabilitation and preservation of historic resources. All grants require matching funds. Applicants should read the Grant Guidelines for information on eligible activities and special initiatives for 2010.

"The Historic Trust is excited to offer this grant round, which we know will be highly competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the workshop, or consult with the Trust's program staff prior to applying," said Historic Trust Chair Deborah M. Kelly.

Potential grant applicants, professional consultants and project coordinators are invited to attend an applicant workshop on July 28, 2010, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rutgers EcoComplex in Bordentown, NJ. Guests may register for the workshop by calling (609) 984-0473 or by emailing njht@dca.state.nj.us.

Eligible properties are historic sites that are listed, or are eligible for listing, on the New Jersey or National Register of Historic Places. Applicants must also be charitable non-profit organizations or units of county or municipal government.

A Declaration of Intent to Apply for funding must be submitted to the Historic Trust by July 22, 2010. Applications are due September 16, 2010. Applications, Grant Guidelines and the Declaration of Intent to Apply form are available for download from the New Jersey Historic Trust's Web site at www.njht.org.

Established in 1967, the New Jersey Historic Trust is the only nonprofit historic preservation organization in New Jersey created by state law. The Trust officially became a DCA affiliate in November 2002 in an effort to better realign the state's smart growth initiatives with historic revitalization. Its mission is to advance historic preservation in New Jersey for the benefit of future generations through education, stewardship and financial investment programs that save our heritage and strengthen our communities.

For more information on the New Jersey Historic Trust, call 609-984-0473, or log on to http://www.njht.org/.


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