In November 1998, voters approved a ballot initiative to preserve open space, farmland, and historic sites, with funding from state revenues guaranteed for the next decade. This legislation created The Garden State Preservation Trust, which was signed into law on June 30, 1999. This source of grant funds allows the Trust to address the preservation needs of properties throughout the state through fiscal year 2009.

In 2007 and in 2009, voters approved referendums to provide additional funding for the preservation of open space, farmland and historic preservation projects.  This grant money is being made available in 2010 in the form of Capital Preservation and Historic Site Management Grants.

The Garden State Historic Preservation Trust Fund continues the work of the Historic Preservation Bond Program, which from 1990-1997, awarded $52 million in capital grants to assist preservation projects statewide.
Types of Grants

Types of Grants

Historic Site Management Grants - for planning exercises that promote effective management at historic sites. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000.  These grants are offered in the 2010 Grant Round.

Capital Preservation Grants - for construction expenses related to the preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of historic properties and associated architectural and engineering expenses. Level I Capital Preservation Grants range from $5,000 to $150,000, while Level II grants range from $150,001 to $750,000.  These grants are offered in the 2010 Grant Round.

All projects selected for funding by the New Jersey Historic Trust's Board of Trustees will require the approval of the Garden State Preservation Trust and the New Jersey Legislature before grant funds can be released.

View the 2010 Grant Round Schedule.
Download Grant Guidelines, Applications and Declaration of Intent to Apply 

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