The Bergen County History Grant Program 2025, administered by the Bergen County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs, is an annual initiative designed to support and promote history programs, projects, and local history-based non-profit organizations within Bergen County, New Jersey. This competitive grant program is funded through re-grants from the New Jersey Historical Commission and aims to strengthen local history organizations, inspire preservation projects, and enhance public awareness and participation in local history initiatives. The grant program reflects the DCHA's mission to nurture arts, history, and historic preservation throughout the county.

The primary purpose of the grant is to foster diversity, heritage tourism, history education programming, innovation, and institutional stabilization. Organizations and projects that aim to increase knowledge of Bergen County's ethnic and racial diversity, raise awareness of local history, create educational curricula, and develop innovative approaches to historic interpretation are encouraged to apply. Additionally, the program seeks to support the development of tools that enhance institutional stability and services, including planning for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Funding for the program is divided into two categories: General Operating Support Grants and Special Project Grants. General Operating Support Grants range from $2,000 to $10,000 and are intended to assist established non-profit historical organizations with their overall operations. A one-to-one funding match is strongly encouraged. Special Project Grants, on the other hand, range from $500 to $2,000 and support specific history projects and programs that are open and accessible to the public. Eligible expenses for both grant types include salaries, contracted services, marketing, educational initiatives, and conservation of historical collections.

To be eligible for the General Operating Support Grant, applicants must be non-profit organizations based in Bergen County with a mission dedicated to history, have been in existence for at least two years, and demonstrate compliance with ADA standards. Special Project Grant applicants may include non-profit organizations, local government agencies, schools, religious institutions, libraries, and various community organizations, provided they have also been in existence for at least two years.

The application process requires submission of specific documentation, including a long-range plan for the organization and evidence of ADA compliance. Applicants will be evaluated based on criteria such as the project's alignment with the program's goals, potential impact on the community, and the organization's capacity to execute the proposed project.

The grant period for awarded projects will run from January 1 to December 31, 2025. The deadline for applications is set for October 18, 2024. Interested parties can find more information and access the application materials through the Bergen County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs website. For any inquiries, applicants may contact Elaine Kiernan Gold via email or phone.