Heritage Tourism Planning Grants

The New Jersey Historic Trust is now accepting applications for the 2025 Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund. This annual grant program provides matching funding to eligible projects that promote historic preservation throughout the state. The fund, supported by 5 percent of New Jersey’s Corporate Business Tax as outlined in legislation enacted in 2016, typically makes available between $3 million and $4 million annually. Final funding totals are contingent on the state budget. Preserve New Jersey grants support multiple project types, including capital improvements, planning, heritage tourism, and site management. Each grant type has its own dedicated application and requirements. Applications are due by April 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Applicants must submit both an online application and a USB drive containing all required supporting documentation. USBs may be delivered by mail, courier, or dropped off in person on April 24 between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM at the Department of Community Affairs building in Trenton. Eligible applicants include county, municipal, and state government entities, as well as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are registered to solicit charitable contributions in New Jersey. All applications must align with the guidelines specific to the selected grant type. Matching funds are required, but the percentage varies depending on the type of grant being requested. To assist prospective applicants, the Historic Trust hosted a virtual workshop on January 30, 2025, and continues to offer virtual office hours on alternating Thursdays through April 10, 2025. These sessions are led by Trust staff and provide guidance on application preparation and eligibility. Registration links for future sessions and a video recording of the workshop are available on the Trust’s website. Projects awarded through the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund help advance the state’s longstanding commitment to preserving its architectural and cultural heritage. Since 1990, more than $145 million has been awarded to support historic preservation planning and construction projects. Additional guidance and detailed application materials, including grant-specific checklists, are accessible via the New Jersey Historic Trust’s website. For further assistance, applicants are encouraged to reach out directly to Trust staff at (609) 984-0473.