Best Preservation Grants in New Jersey

The Achelis and Bodman Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on grantmaking in New York City and northern New Jersey, addressing critical issues in six program areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Employment, Health, Public Policy, and Youth and Families. Emphasizing support for nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), the Foundation aims to improve local communities through impactful grants while prioritizing accountability and excellence in various sectors.

The Charles Edison Fund Grant supports initiatives in science and technology education, medical research, and preserving the legacy of Thomas Edison. Established in 1948 by Charles Edison, the fund has allocated over $35 million in seed money to various organizations. It primarily focuses on projects within the New York-New Jersey Metropolitan area, ensuring that contributions are directed toward impactful efforts that align with its mission of fostering innovation and education.

The Green Acres State Land Acquisition Program, managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, focuses on acquiring land for open space from property owners. It aims to preserve areas designated for recreation and conservation, integrating these lands into state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas. The program collaborates with various DEP divisions to ensure effective land management, and it accepts donations and bequests to enhance public access to natural resources.

The NJ Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program (NJUCF) Green Communities aims to support local governments in creating a Community Forestry Management Plan (CFMP) and conducting necessary inventories. This initiative, funded by the USDA Forest Service and the New Jersey Shade Tree Fund, offers grants up to $5,000 for a CFMP alone or $20,000 for both the CFMP and inventory. Eligible entities include municipal and county governments.

The NJ Wildlife Fencing Grants provide cost-share funding for installing wildlife fencing on unpreserved farms in New Jersey. Eligible farm owners, operators, or tenants can receive up to 50% matching funds, up to $50,000, to help construct, maintain, or restore fencing for wildlife protection. The program aims to support agricultural sustainability while safeguarding crops from wildlife. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.

The OSI Northeast Resilient Landscapes Initiative Fund supports conservation projects in New England, the mid-Atlantic, and Central Appalachians aimed at preserving biodiversity amidst climate change. This fund provides grants and loans to nonprofits for acquiring climate-resilient lands, enhancing ecological connectivity. Projects must meet specific criteria regarding landscape resilience and stewardship to be eligible. By focusing on high-priority areas, the initiative ensures effective use of resources to safeguard vital habitats and species.

The Discover NJ History License Plate Fund offers grants up to $5,000 to enhance heritage tourism in New Jersey. Supported by sales of the Discover NJ History license plate, this fund aims to develop visitor-ready sites. Eligible activities include visitor assessments, signage design, and website development. The program is open year-round, with specific deadlines for applications. This initiative promotes historical awareness and preservation, ensuring New Jersey's rich history is accessible to all.

The Best Life Community Awards, funded by Altra Foundation Inc, invites nominations for nonprofit organizations that have made a significant impact in their communities. Altra members can nominate eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits they support with their time, talents, or financial contributions. The selected nonprofit will receive a $10,000 grant, aimed at fostering initiatives in education, health, and community services across specific counties in the U.S. Nominate today to help recognize outstanding contributions!

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 Community Voices Fund, established by the People’s Media Fund, supports innovative media projects that amplify marginalized voices in Greater Philadelphia. Prioritizing community-driven narratives, the Fund awards grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to support storytelling efforts that challenge systemic oppression and promote social justice. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations with annual budgets under $1 million, focusing on projects that enhance community organizing and movement-building efforts.

The NJ Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers financial assistance to eligible partners for purchasing agricultural land easements, helping to preserve cropland, grassland, and pastureland from non-agricultural use. With NRCS contributing up to 75% of the fair market value for special grasslands, the program ensures long-term conservation of vital agricultural resources in New Jersey, promoting sustainable farming and protecting essential habitats for endangered species.

The New Jersey Historical Commission's Inclusive History Grant Program aims to explore under-represented narratives in New Jersey's history. By supporting research and interpretative planning, the program seeks to foster inclusive storytelling that engages diverse communities. Grants will enhance organizational capacity at history organizations, inviting participation from all New Jerseyans and helping to understand the complexities of the past for a more informed future.

The Joseph Robert Foundation Grant provides essential funding for non-profit organizations focused on the arts, animal welfare, and environmental protection. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation prioritizes smaller local organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, offering grants typically under $10,000. It encourages innovative projects and supports first-time grant seekers, prioritizing those with limited resources. Organizations can apply for general operating support or specific project funding to further their missions and impact their communities.

The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust provides funding through its Basic Needs Grant to nonprofits in the Greater Philadelphia area, focusing on food, clothing, and shelter assistance. Priority is given to vulnerable children and seniors. Grants range from $5,000 to $40,000, awarded for a one-year term, with a minimum funding requirement of $5,000. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) and have a service location in the eligible regions.

The Scott Ralls Fund Grant, administered by the American Camping Association, NY and NJ, supports capital improvement projects for nonprofit accredited camps. Established in honor of Scott Ralls, a dedicated advocate for the camp industry, the fund has distributed over $372,000 to enhance the camp experience. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit accredited member camps, with a preference for projects that are standalone and can be completed within a year.

About DCA 

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is a State agency created to provide administrative guidance, financial support and technical assistance to local governments, community development organizations, businesses and individuals to improve the quality of life in New Jersey.

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, historic preservation, disaster recovery and mitigation, and information privacy.

Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Planning Program

Purpose of Grant: to assist qualified non-profit organizations to prepare a neighborhood plan that meets the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program requirements.

Population to be Targeted: Residents of an identified neighborhood within a Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit eligible municipality.

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 New Jersey Historical Commission offers Project Grants aimed at engaging diverse audiences in exploring and preserving New Jersey's rich history. These grants support high-quality projects that broaden access to historical resources and strengthen local history organizations. Eligible applicants include individuals and organizations committed to professional standards in their work. By focusing on underrepresented aspects of history, these grants ensure a more inclusive understanding of New Jersey's heritage.

The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) offers General Operating Support Grants to enhance the preservation and understanding of New Jersey's history. Established in 2000, this program aims to support organizations engaged in historical research and public engagement. The grants foster innovation and excellence, promoting underrepresented aspects of New Jersey history and broadening access to historical resources for diverse communities. Through various initiatives, NJHC strives to strengthen local history organizations and ensure the state's rich heritage is preserved and appreciated.

The New Jersey Cultural Trust's Capital Historic Preservation Grant Program supports eligible organizations in preserving historic resources listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. Organizations must be designated as "qualified" to apply for funding, which does not require a match. This program aims to foster financial stability and capacity for nonprofit cultural organizations by funding important capital projects that enhance cultural heritage in New Jersey.

The Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund supports innovative projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering up to $5,000 to organizations committed to protecting cultural and natural resources. Established in 1996, this fund promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, facilitates policy development, and enhances public engagement in preservation issues. Eligible activities include planning and education efforts, requiring applicants to match grant funds and adhere to specific conditions to ensure effective use of resources for community sustainability.

The New Jersey Cultural Trust offers Institutional/Financial Stabilization Grants for Arts Organizations to support nonprofit cultural institutions in addressing financial and operational challenges. These grants aim to enhance stability and capacity, allowing organizations to manage their work effectively. Eligible activities include establishing working capital funds, debt reduction, strategic planning, technology upgrades, and professional development. No match is required, and organizations must be designated as 'qualified' to apply.

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.

The New Jersey Highlands Coalition offers emergency funding grants up to $5,000 for grassroots organizations working to protect the region's vital natural and cultural resources. These grants support projects that enhance the Highlands Regional Master Plan, advocate for environmental protection, and educate the public on conservation. Organizations with an operating budget under $200,000 and current Coalition membership are eligible to apply, ensuring support for impactful local initiatives.

The New Jersey Cultural Trust offers Institutional and Financial Stabilization Grants for History and Humanities Organizations to strengthen the financial and operational capabilities of qualified organizations. This program aims to address challenges that threaten stability while enhancing capacity to fulfill missions. The grants support essential projects and are available to organizations designated as qualified by the Cultural Trust. Applications are reviewed following a Declaration of Intent to Apply by the specified deadlines.

About DCA

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is a State agency created to provide administrative guidance, financial support and technical assistance to local governments, community development organizations, businesses and individuals to improve the quality of life in New Jersey.

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, historic preservation, disaster recovery and mitigation, and information privacy.

HOME-ARP Program Fact Sheet: Rental Housing

Overview:

A PJ may use HOME-ARP funds to acquire, construct and rehabilitate rental housing for occupancy by individuals and families that meet one of the Qualifying Populations defined in CPD Notice: Requirements for the Use of Funds in the HOME-American Rescue Plan Program (“the Notice”). HOME-ARP rental housing may include single family or multifamily housing, transitional or permanent housing, group homes, single room occupancy (SRO) units, and manufactured housing.

To promote the development of financially viable housing, PJs may pay the entire amount of eligible costs associated with HOME-ARP rental units, are encouraged to work with local PHAs and state or local agencies to obtain project-based rental assistance and may provide ongoing operating cost assistance or capitalize a project operating cost assistance reserve to address operating deficits of HOME-ARP units occupied by qualifying households. To promote inclusion of HOME-ARP units in mixed-income housing, up to 30 percent of the units a PJ funds with its HOME-ARP grant may be restricted for occupancy by households that are low-income.

The Neighborhood Partners Program, initiated by the PSEG Foundation, aims to create inclusive and sustainable communities. This initiative focuses on environmental sustainability and supports critical economic needs such as affordability and food security. By partnering with transformative organizations, the program addresses pressing issues while promoting social justice and equity. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with eligibility requirements to ensure alignment with the Foundation's strategic pillars. Together, we can work towards a cleaner, safer, and more equitable future.