The Green Acres Nonprofit Grants program, administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Green Acres Program, aims to support nonprofit organizations in acquiring and preserving open spaces for recreation and conservation purposes. This program helps maintain and expand green spaces to benefit communities statewide by ensuring environmental sustainability, recreation access, and conservation efforts.

One of the program’s primary objectives is to acquire land that can be used for recreational and conservation purposes. This includes purchasing land for parks, nature preserves, and other public open spaces that provide ecological and social benefits. The program also seeks to support municipalities with high population densities by funding the development of outdoor recreational facilities to enhance the quality of life in urban areas.

In addition to land acquisition, the Green Acres Nonprofit Grants program supports projects that promote the stewardship of natural resources. Nonprofits receiving funding must demonstrate a commitment to the maintenance and preservation of the land acquired for conservation purposes. These efforts ensure that open spaces remain accessible and properly managed for future generations.

The grant program operates on a matching basis, requiring applicants to secure 50% of the total project costs from other sources. This requirement encourages collaboration and investment from multiple stakeholders, ensuring the financial sustainability of conservation initiatives. Funded land must remain open to the public, reinforcing the program’s commitment to community access and environmental preservation.

Applications for land acquisition, park development, and stewardship projects are reviewed based on a ranking system included in the application package. The evaluation process ensures that funding is directed toward projects that align with the program’s mission and deliver measurable environmental and recreational benefits. Nonprofit organizations that meet eligibility criteria and submit complete applications have the opportunity to secure funding for significant conservation and recreational projects.