Monmouth County Opens 2026 Grants for Local History Preservation and Initiatives

Applications are open for two grant initiatives supporting local history and building preservation in Monmouth County for 2026. These funds back community history work and fix aging structures.

"Monmouth County is proud of its history and my fellow commissioners and I are excited to continue our support for the History Regrant Program and the Historic Preservation Grant Program," said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone per the Monmouth Journal.com. "With the country's semiquincentennial in 2026 and a focus on our local history, I encourage those interested in applying for a grant to visit the county's website to learn more about the application process."

Money flows through two channels in the History Regrant Program. One stream keeps historical groups running day-to-day. Another backs projects that bring the past to life for local crowds.

Commissioner Erik Anderson, who works with the Historical Commission, stressed the grants' importance. "We thank our residents and municipalities for their ongoing commitment to restoring and preserving historic structures throughout Monmouth County," said Anderson. "By supporting preservation projects through the History Regrant and Historic Preservation Grant programs, the county honors the stories and places that shape our community."

Historic buildings get a boost from matching grants of $500 to $10,000. Public agencies and groups that own old structures can ask for this money.

Cash comes from the state's Department of State through its Historical Commission branch. This backing makes local history groups stronger and pulls more people into learning about their town's past.

Since 1988, when the Board of Chosen Freeholders started it, the Historical Commission has watched over old buildings and backed history work. They give out grants and keep an eye on what needs fixing.

Want to try for the History Regrant Program? Tell the commission by Oct. 3. Full papers for both grants must be in by Oct. 31. Check the county website for forms.