Best Grants for Historic Preservation in New Jersey

Project Grant

The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) is a state agency within the Department of State dedicated to the advancement of public knowledge and preservation of New Jersey history. All of its grant funding is provided by legislative appropriation.

In order to get all grant funds distributed to our constituents as early as possible within the fiscal year, the NJHC will offer only one Project Grant deadline. 

Funding for expenses of specific projects relating to New Jersey history. Eligible categories include conservation of historical materials (manuscripts, books, costumes, historical visuals); editorial and publication projects; educational initiatives; partnership projects; exhibitions; media (films, radio, videotape, digital media); public programs; and research (including archaeological projects, fellowships, oral history, and National and New Jersey registers of historic places nominations).

Project Grants at a Glance

• Applicants can request up to $20,000 in support of their project.
• Applicants are only allowed to submit one application per Project grant round.
• Individuals and organizations are restricted to one open Project grant at a time.
• Organizational applicants are allowed to be recipients of both the GOS grant program and the Project grant program.
• Organizations with annual budgets under the allowable threshold may partner together with a larger history institution to meet the budget and audience eligibility requirement for New Jersey history projects
• Organizations may only apply for Project Grant support from either the NJHC or their designated county re-grant agency (CHPP) in any calendar year.
• No organization may receive Project Grant funding for the same project for more than three (3) consecutive fiscal years.

Certified local governments in New Jersey can apply for State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection historic preservation grants of US $15,000 - US $50,000 to support local preservation programs. Funding helps identify historic properties for state and national registers and develop planning tools to protect historic resources.

Historic preservation organizations and related 501(c)(3) institutions in New Jersey can seek funding for preservation programs and projects, including societies and institutions. FJ Brotherton Charitable Trust focuses on historic preservation alongside education, community services, medical programs, and scientific research, primarily supporting work within the northeastern to southeastern U.S.

State, county, and municipal agencies plus 501(c)(3) nonprofits in New Jersey can receive up to US $7,500 to develop and promote visitor-ready historic sites as heritage tourism destinations. The State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs funds activities like visitor-readiness assessments, interpretive planning, signage, websites, marketing plans, and related training that support historic preservation tourism.

Organizations preserving, researching, or interpreting New Jersey history can seek general operating support of more than US $5,000 in New Jersey to strengthen or expand their work. Grants from the New Jersey Department of State Historical Commission help history and historic preservation groups enhance programs, reach broader audiences, and preserve underrepresented stories and materials statewide.

New Jersey historic preservation and history organizations can seek project funding to deliver high-quality, engaging New Jersey history to diverse audiences. The New Jersey Historical Commission provides up to US $20,000 for projects that broaden and diversify audiences, strengthen history programs, increase access to historical resources, and preserve underrepresented aspects of the state’s heritage.

Historic preservation organizations in New Jersey can seek matching grants of US $5,000 - US $750,000 to plan, restore, rehabilitate, and preserve historic resources statewide. Grants from New Jersey Department of State: Cultural Trust help strengthen long-term preservation efforts and encourage broader community support for eligible construction and planning projects.

Nonprofit and preservation-focused organizations in New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic can seek funding for historic preservation planning and public education projects, up to US $7,500. The National Trust for Historic Preservation supports initiatives that protect cultural and natural resources, foster policy development, and build public engagement around community livability and open space conservation.

Historic preservation and cultural organizations in New Jersey can seek funding for accredited charity-led projects that promote sustainable development and community benefit. La Roche supports high-quality initiatives in areas such as historic preservation, arts and culture, and community environment, with local affiliate offices funding programs based and operating in the same country as the affiliate.

The Americana Foundation's American Heritage Grant aims to support projects that broaden inclusivity in early American art and narratives, especially for underrepresented groups. Recognizing the historical significance of Americana, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote understanding and appreciation of America's diverse heritage. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and municipal entities. The foundation encourages innovative projects that reinterpret early American material culture, fostering a deeper connection to the past for future generations.

Individual engineers, architects, and other preservation-related professionals in the U.S. can receive up to US $15,000 for innovative proposals in preservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of the built environment. The James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation’s Robert Silman Award supports original work that advances historic preservation practice and can benefit communities, including those in New Jersey.

Historic preservation nonprofits that are dues-paying members of the National Preservation Partners Network can seek up to US $10,000 for advocacy, capacity building, or climate-related projects, including in New Jersey. The National Trust for Historic Preservation supports staff time, consultants, training, research, and outreach costs to strengthen preservation organizations and catalyze innovative, replicable initiatives.

New Jersey entities stewarding historic Black churches can access funding through the National Trust for Historic Preservation to support capital projects, planning, programming, and organizational capacity. Grants of US $50,000 - US $500,000 help preserve and better utilize historic Black houses of worship, including buildings repurposed for arts, culture, community, and social justice uses.

The McClure Family Foundation Grant honors the legacy of Charles and Dorothy McClure by supporting nonprofit organizations that strengthen families and communities. The foundation aims to promote the arts, historic preservation, education, faith-based initiatives, and the well-being of mankind. Eligible applicants include public charities, governmental units, and established churches. The foundation values personal connections with applicants and encourages endeavors that foster community responsibility and individual leadership.

The Wold Foundation Grant, established in 1985, aims to support charitable, scientific, literary, and educational projects primarily benefiting Wyoming citizens and youth. It prioritizes initiatives in education, human services, cultural activities, healthcare, and scientific endeavors that promote conservation and outdoor recreation. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) classified and operate in the U.S. The foundation does not fund individuals or projects that discriminate based on sex, age, or religion.

The Secular Distribution Grant supports charitable activities aimed at enhancing community well-being, particularly within 100 miles of Coatesville, PA. Focused on health and human services, the grant encourages projects that address community needs, foster self-reliance, and promote civic engagement. With a commitment to philanthropic impact, funding is reserved for organizations demonstrating 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and a proven need, while maintaining strict eligibility criteria to ensure effective resource allocation.

Historic preservation nonprofits in New Jersey can apply for Impact 100’s US $100,000 grants to support capital projects, major program expansions, or new initiatives in Hunterdon County. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets over $300,000 and at least three years of operations may be competitive if their projects significantly benefit the county’s historic and cultural assets.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans with projects in art, culture, historic character, or related areas in New Jersey and nationwide can seek up to US $100,000 for transformative initiatives. With a mission to empower women philanthropists, Impact100 Global Veterans provides large project grants for veteran-focused programs in designated focus areas, including historic and cultural preservation work.

The Mishler Brown Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, supports nonprofits dedicated to agriculture and historic preservation. Applications are accepted annually from October 1 to December 31, with funds awarded in January. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status but do not need to be located in Elkhart County. The fund honors Helen Mishler's legacy by preserving farming heritage, including her family's historic homestead.

The Astle-Alpaugh Family Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance the well-being of individuals and families in Central New Jersey. With a focus on supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, the foundation prioritizes funding for educational programs in the arts, history, and health. It also champions community involvement through grants for local museums and community centers. The foundation does not support multi-year grant requests or student scholarships, ensuring that funds are directed to immediate community needs.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Valley Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Santa Clara County and beyond by supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on educational, historical, and preservation initiatives, the Foundation provides essential funding to groups dedicated to societal improvement. By fostering partnerships with like-minded entities, The Valley Foundation strives to create lasting positive change through its grant-making efforts.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

The Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation, inspired by its namesake's legacy of generosity, focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations in Morris County, NJ. With a commitment to community well-being, the Foundation offers grants that address critical issues such as health, education, and environmental preservation. It operates through distinct grant cycles, allowing organizations to apply annually while fostering meaningful relationships. By prioritizing 501(c)(3) organizations, the Foundation ensures that its funding aligns with its mission of impactful community service.

The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on sight preservation, children's services, and environmental conservation, primarily in Utah. Established in memory of David Kelby Johnson, who tragically lost his life at a young age, the foundation aims to honor his legacy by supporting impactful charitable initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000, with a commitment to improving communities both locally and globally.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

IBMA  Foundation Project Grants

The IBMA Foundation awards project grants each year, usually in amounts between $1,000 and $2,500. The deadline to apply is December 2, 2024. Projects must align with the Foundation’s mission in one of the following areas

• Arts & culture
• Education
• Literary or academic programs
• History preservation