The Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund is currently accepting grant applications for the 2025 funding cycle. The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation manages this program, which has been in operation since 2003. The fund has granted over $54 million to support the preservation and renovation of historic structures within the county. Eligible applicants for these grants include municipalities, qualified nonprofit organizations, and the county itself. Projects must involve historic resources that are either listed or certified eligible for listing on the State or National Register of Historic Places.

One notable update for the 2025 cycle is that religious institutions are now eligible to apply for preservation grants, pending a final decision from the courts. This follows a federal court ruling that the exclusion of religious institutions from such funding violated the U.S. Constitution. In prior years, religious institutions had been excluded from applying due to a ruling by the New Jersey Supreme Court. This change represents a significant shift, allowing these institutions to once again seek funding for historic preservation projects.

To apply, interested parties must submit a Declaration of Intent by Friday, February 28, 2025, and the full application is due by Friday, March 28, 2025. A key feature of this funding round is that paper submissions are waived, and applicants are required to submit Preservation Plans or any relevant drawings and specifications digitally to both the County staff and the County Consultant by the March 28 deadline. The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation will also host a Grant Application Workshop on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. via WebEx. This workshop aims to provide applicants with detailed guidance on the application process and to clarify eligibility requirements and program rules.

The Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund prioritizes projects that restore historic structures of significant value, contributing to the preservation of the county’s rich history and cultural heritage. The funding is intended to assist in the conservation of buildings that are integral to Morris County’s historical landscape. Past grant recipients have used the funds for projects that have significantly enhanced the preservation of important local landmarks.