2025 History Re-Grant Program

The 2025 Union County History Re-Grant Program, administered by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in New Jersey, offers two types of grants: General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Project (SP) grants. The program aims to support history organizations, museums, schools, and libraries with collections or programming related to Union County and New Jersey state history. This aligns with a broader mission to preserve, promote, and expand local historical knowledge and services for the public. The program's strategic priority is to enhance and introduce Union County and local history programs or services, ensuring that grant funds expand, rather than replace, existing expenditures. General Operating Support (GOS) grants, with a maximum request of $7,500, are designed for Union County based historical societies, house museums, or historic sites. These grants assist with basic operational costs such as programming, preservation of collections, salaries, marketing, and more. The target beneficiaries are established history organizations dedicated to Union County's heritage. The impact goal is to strengthen the foundational stability of these organizations, enabling them to continue providing valuable historical resources and programming to the community. Measurable results would include sustained operations, improved collection preservation, and continued public engagement through various programs. Special Project (SP) grants, with a maximum request of $5,000, are available to a wider range of organizations including history organizations, museums, schools, and libraries that have collections or programming related to Union County and New Jersey state history. These grants support specific initiatives such as microfilm/digitization, research travel, oral history transcription, exhibition development, and the purchase of materials for conservation or educational projects. The target beneficiaries for SP grants are organizations looking to undertake specific projects that enrich the historical narrative and accessibility within Union County and New Jersey. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined through its eligible expenses and grant types. GOS grants prioritize the fundamental needs for operational continuity and preservation within historical institutions. SP grants, on the other hand, prioritize innovative projects that enhance research, accessibility, and public understanding of local history through various mediums like digitization and exhibitions. The expected outcomes include increased public access to historical materials, the creation of new historical resources, and a broader engagement with Union County's past. Measurable results for SP grants could include the number of digitized items, attendance at new exhibitions or programs, or the completion of specific research initiatives. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial support for both operational stability and specific projects, local history organizations will be empowered to expand their reach and impact, ultimately enriching the community's understanding and appreciation of its heritage.