Union County History Grant

The Union County History Re-Grant Program is a locally administered funding initiative designed to support historical preservation, programming, and operations in Union County, New Jersey. Managed by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs within the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, this grant is funded by the New Jersey Historical Commission. The program demonstrates Union County’s commitment to enriching community life through historical engagement, by providing financial resources to local organizations that preserve and promote the county’s cultural legacy. The 2026 History Re-Grant Program offers two distinct funding tracks: General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Projects (SP). The GOS grants are available exclusively to Union County-based historical societies, house museums, and historic sites, supporting core operational needs such as programming, staff salaries, preservation efforts, and marketing. These grants are capped at a maximum of $7,500. The SP grants, with a ceiling of $5,000, are intended for a broader range of organizations—including schools, libraries, and museums—that conduct special history-related projects connected to Union County and the broader context of New Jersey state history. To qualify for either grant category, applicant organizations must be nonprofit entities physically located within Union County. Moreover, all funded programming must occur within Union County and take place during the 2026 calendar year. These eligibility parameters ensure that grant funds are directly reinvested into the local community and that supported projects have a direct regional impact. Applications for the 2026 cycle were due by Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11:45 p.m. Submissions are accepted exclusively through an online portal managed by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. Interested applicants were required to request access to this portal by contacting History Programs Coordinator John Prescott via email. Late applications were not considered. The application process follows established guidelines, available upon request, detailing both eligibility requirements and required documentation for each funding category. Evaluation of proposals is expected to consider the applicant's historical relevance, project design, feasibility, and potential for community engagement. Although the exact timeline for award notification is not stated, selected projects are expected to begin in 2026. The program operates on a recurring annual basis, which allows prospective applicants to plan ahead for future cycles. The next expected application round will likely open in August 2026, based on the current pattern. For clarification or assistance with the application process, applicants were advised to contact John Prescott, History Programs Coordinator, at 908-436-2912 or by email at jprescott@ucnj.org. Additional information, including general program updates and details about other grant opportunities, is available on the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs website at ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/funding-opportunities.