Best Grants for Historic Preservation in New Jersey

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The New Jersey Highlands Coalition offers Small Grants up to $5,000 for grassroots organizations focusing on enhancing and protecting the natural and cultural resources of the New Jersey Highlands. These grants support projects that contribute to the Highlands Regional Master Plan, promote environmental protection, and raise public awareness. Organizations applying must have an operating budget under $200,000 and be current Coalition members. The aim is to foster sustainable resource management and community engagement in the Highlands.

Grassroots organizations with budgets under $200,000 working on environmental or cultural resource protection in New Jersey’s Highlands region can seek up to US $5,000 for advocacy, planning, education, or preservation projects. With a mission to protect Highlands natural and cultural resources, New Jersey Highlands Coalition provides small emergency grants that may support historic preservation, cultural landscapes, and scenic vista protection efforts.

Historic preservation nonprofits and public agencies in New Jersey working to conserve modern buildings by Black architects can seek US $150,000 project-planning grants that may include limited capital work. Focused on modern architectural heritage, National Trust for Historic Preservation invites applicants stewarding eligible 20th-century sites for public benefit and access.

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 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is inviting applications for the Public Humanities Projects program, aimed at enhancing public understanding of the humanities through exhibitions, historic site interpretations, and public lectures. For 2027, topics of interest include Western civilization, literature, the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, civic education, and cultural literacy. This initiative seeks to foster civil discourse and engage communities in meaningful discussions.

The FY 2027 – 2029 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) by the National Marine Fisheries Service invites innovative research and educational projects that enhance NOAA's mission. This funding opportunity focuses on applied environmental and cultural resource research, technical assistance, and education to promote effective stewardship of public lands. Please note that the availability of funds is contingent on appropriations, and this announcement does not guarantee project funding or review beyond initial administrative checks.

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.

Accredited Main Street America programs working on preservation-based downtown revitalization in New Jersey and nationwide can apply for the Great American Main Street Awards, which honor exemplary historic commercial district transformation. With a mission to strengthen older and historic commercial districts, National Main Street Center provides national recognition, media support, and promotional benefits that can elevate local preservation and community development work.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Jay A. Graybeal Scholarship

The purpose of the Jay A. Graybeal Scholarship is to provide scholarships to college bound high school students, or students currently enrolled in undergraduate studies or pursuing post-graduate studies in general history or a specialty area of studies in history to include but not limited to; museum studies, archival management, library science, historic preservation, material culture, American Studies, archaeology, anthropology, art or architectural history or preservation technology; or to students pursuing a recognized certification or apprentice program dedicated to traditional arts, industries, trades or crafts.

The Scholarship amount is $1,000.

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.