December 11, 2019 - New Jersey Historic Trust Announces Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund Grants Available

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 11, 2019

 Preservation Planning and Capital Grants will be Available

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Historic Trust (Trust) today announced that applications for the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund are now available. Applications must be submitted by April 23, 2020. 

This year, the Trust will offer both planning and heritage tourism (Historic Site Management) grants and ‘bricks and mortar’ (Capital Preservation) grants. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, as well as units of county, municipal or state government. Eligible properties must be certified eligible for listing on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places by August 1, 2020. 

“Historic preservation can open the door for cultural enrichment, education, and revitalization opportunities in every single one of our communities, which is why our Administration is expanding ways to advance capital preservation and planning projects throughout New Jersey,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as DCA Commissioner. “Governor Murphy and I are encouraging all 565 municipalities to take advantage of the many revitalization and enhancement opportunities that are now available through the Trust by applying for these valuable grants.” 

Planning grants may be used for activities that will assist in planning for long-term stewardship, development and successful management of historic sites, including developing preservation plans, engineering studies or archaeological assessments. The Trust is also offering grants to foster heritage tourism initiatives that may include visitor readiness surveys, wayfinding, and developing linkages between attractions. The maximum grant request is $50,000 and requires a $1 match for every $3  requested.  

“We anticipate a highly competitive grant round,” said New Jersey Historic Trust Executive Director Dorothy Guzzo.  “There is a very strong need for planning money, but even more so for construction funds that will help save our historic resources for new and continued uses.” 

Capital preservation grants may be used for construction expenses related to the preservation, restoration, repair, and rehabilitation of historic property and professional fees necessary to prepare and complete the construction project. There are two levels of capital request. At Level I, the maximum request is $150,000 and requires a match of $2 for every $3 requested. At Level II, the maximum request is $750,000 and requires a match of $1 for every $1 requested. All construction projects should be supported by previous studies, such as preservation plans or assessments. The Trust will again offer applicants the opportunity to apply for a multi-phase project to facilitate funding for substantially complex projects. In this category, the Trust may commit up to three years of funding at the $750,000 level, assuming all other requirements have been met. 

Applications and guidelines are available on the Trust’s web site at   http://njht.org/dca/njht/applguid/. 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the grant guidelines to determine if the proposed project is eligible for funding and may contact Trust staff with questions at 609-984-0473. 

The Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund was established by legislation in 2016 after New Jersey voters approved a change to the state constitution to provide a stable source of funding for open space, farmland and historic preservation by dedicating funds from the corporate business tax. The Preserve New Jersey Fund continues the work of the Garden State Historic Preservation Trust Fund (2000-2012) and the Historic Preservation Bond Program (1990-1997). Since 1990, more than $156 million in matching grants has been awarded to worthy historic preservation construction and planning projects throughout the state. 

Created by the State Legislature, the New Jersey Historic Trust is a nonprofit historic preservation organization affiliated with the Department of Community Affairs. Governed by a 15-member board of trustees, the mission of the Trust 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 and its funding programs, visit: http://www.njht.org.