Discover NJ History License Plate Fund (NJ) Grant

Discover NJ History License Plate Fund (NJ) Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Amount: Up to US $7,500
Last Updated: March 23, 2026

Summary

The Discover NJ History License Plate Fund offers grants up to $5,000 to enhance heritage tourism in New Jersey. Supported by sales of the Discover NJ History license plate, this fund aims to develop visitor-ready sites. Eligible activities include visitor assessments, signage design, and website development. The program is open year-round, with specific deadlines for applications. This initiative promotes historical awareness and preservation, ensuring New Jersey's rich history is accessible to all.

Overview

NOTE: Applications will be accepted at any time throughout the fiscal year, July 1 – June 30, until the annual allocation has been exhausted. Applications must be received by the following dates to be considered at the subsequent board meeting: February 1, May 1, August 1, November 1. Applications received after these dates will roll into the next round. Discover NJ History License Plate Fund The Discover NJ History License Plate Fund provides small grants (up to $5,000) to develop and promote visitor ready sites as heritage tourism destinations. The grant program is supported by income from sales and renewals of the Discover NJ History License plate, which was established in 1995 to support historic preservation activities in the State. The plates feature a Victorian-style row house image, from a painting by New Jersey artist Harry Devlin. These beautifully designed plates will remind others that history is always ready to be “discovered” in New Jersey. Eligible Activities Visitor and visitor-readiness assessmentsInitiatives that help to develop and promote visitor-ready sites as heritage tourism destinationsCreative, attractive, and professionally designed signage to promote linkages among sites and/or enhance wayfindingInterpretive planning to develop and enhance linkages between sitesWebsites that are professionally designed, mobile compatible, using the latest technologiesMarketing plans and studiesDevelopment of performance evaluation measuresTraining and workshops, including speaker honoraria; andOther activities that are consistent with the goals and objectives of the statewide heritage tourism plan. If an activity other than those listed above is proposed, please consult Trust staff to determine if it is an eligible activity.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible applicants are:agencies or entities of state, county or municipal government, andnonprofit organizations organized under the New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation Act that qualify for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue code and are current with their New Jersey Charitable Registration.

Ineligibility

The following activities and expenses are not eligible for historic site management grants:Acquisition of real or personal propertyAdministrative or operational costs of the agency receiving fundingCosts for large quantity printing of publications or brochures intended for public distributionDonated materials and/or donated in-kind servicesFood and/or beverage purchasesCharges for deficits or overdraftsInterest expensesCost of any litigation as a result of an activity supported by this grant whether determined by judicial process, arbitration, negotiation, or otherwiseServices, materials, or equipment obtained by a local governmental unit or nonprofit organization under any other State programContract cost overruns, not approved, which exceed the allowable amount under contract specificationsCosts for grant application expensesLobbyingArchitectural plans, reports, studies related to a capital exerciseWork including physical improvements, alteration, repair, restoration, and/or maintenanceWork performed for a local government unit which has not been awarded in compliance with the State Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 52:321 et seq. or the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:111 et seq.Costs related to overseeing or managing the proposed exerciseCosts related to printing or postagePlanning, refurbishing, or installing permanent or temporary museum exhibits; individual signage may be an eligible activity if tied specifically to public education about the interpretation of the structure or site or if signage provides barrier-free program access to an historic site or structure; the design and content of any signage must be approved by the NJHT before fabrication; andCollections management including:Cataloging an artifact or archival collectionAppraising or documenting collectionsInstituting conservation measures for artifacts; andFurnishing plans.