Green Acres Program

The Green Acres Program, administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, has opened its 2026 funding round to support initiatives in land acquisition, park development, and stewardship. With a legacy dating back to 1961, the Green Acres Program is a key environmental initiative focused on preserving and enhancing New Jersey’s open spaces for public recreation and conservation. This annual program continues to empower municipalities, counties, and nonprofits to secure and improve outdoor spaces throughout the state. For the 2026 cycle, applicants may apply for funding in three distinct categories: Land Acquisition, Park Development, and Stewardship. A major update in this round allows applicants to submit one request per category, lifting previous limits that permitted only one acquisition or development request. Each category has tailored eligibility and funding considerations. Notably, all municipal park development projects are now guaranteed at least 25% in grant funding, while county park development projects are eligible for at least 50%. Completely Inclusive Playgrounds are prioritized with higher grant funding percentages under the Park Development track. Additionally, nonprofit organizations are no longer geographically limited and may propose park development projects anywhere in New Jersey. Revised guidelines also expand eligibility for projects that involve synthetic turf, tree removal, or school board-owned properties, so long as proper approvals and documentation are included. Application packages and required forms, including the Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI), are available in PDF and Word formats with updated versions expected by October 2025. Applicants must submit their proposals by February 27, 2026. Supplemental funding requests for ongoing projects are also due on the same date. Green Acres will host multiple virtual workshops to assist applicants: November 17 and 18 for application overviews and supplemental funding, and December 3 and 17 for general Q&A sessions. Participation in these workshops, while optional, is strongly encouraged to ensure complete and compliant submissions. The program requires a new enabling resolution for all supplemental funding requests. For acquisition-related supplements, applicants are encouraged to attend a focused workshop session. Contacts for specific project areas are available via the program's official website. Interested parties should consult their regional project manager for detailed assistance. All applicants must also certify and submit their ROSI as part of their application to ensure compliance with land use and title transparency standards. The Green Acres Program continues to play a vital role in New Jersey’s environmental strategy. Through this funding round, it seeks to further enhance public access to green spaces, preserve environmentally sensitive lands, and create inclusive outdoor recreational environments for all residents. Awards and performance periods will follow post-deadline evaluations, with notifications expected after internal review and scoring.