This program exists to acquire open space for recreation and conservation purposes statewide and to develop outdoor recreational facilities in certain urban or densely populated municipalities and counties. Funding is sourced from general obligation bonds. Non-profits that qualify as charitable conservancies (as defined in N.J.S.A. 13:8B-1 et seq) can apply. All land funded under this program must be open to the public. There is a 50 percent matching requirement for grants.

Green Acres Program
609-984-0570
GreenAcres@njdepwptest.net
Green Acres Nonprofit Grants
Green Acres Program Nonprofit Assistance Application Package

These grants and loans are for the acquisition and/or development of municipal or county land for public recreation and conservation. Any municipality or county is eligible to apply. Grant and loan limitations vary from year to year depending on available funds and total requests received.

Green Acres Program
609-984-0570
GreenAcres@njdepwptest.net
Green Acres Grants and Loans

The Recreational Trails Program provides federal financial assistance for developing, improving and maintaining trails and trail facilities. Trails can be used for non-motorized, multi-use, and motorized purposes. Governmental and non-profit agencies are eligible to apply for the grant. Land on which a trail facility is to be funded must be public land or private land open for public recreational use. Maximum grant award is $24,000 for non-motorized projects. Motorized grants can be as much as the total allocation for motorized use in any one year.

Recreational Trails Program
609-984-0500
Trails@njdepwptest.net
New Jersey’s Trails Program

The Green Communities Grant is provided to assist local governments in the development of a Community Forestry Management Plan. A Community Forestry Management Plan is a document for action, guiding communities to establish and maintain healthy, safe and sustainable urban and community forests. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications must be completed in their entirety and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, contingent upon funding availability.

New Jersey Forest Service
609-292-8191
CommunityForestry@njdepwptest.net
New Jersey Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program (NJUCF) Green Communities & Stewardship Grants

This program assists local governments in the implementation of a NJ Forest Service approved Community Forestry Management Plan. Grant funding comes from the New Jersey Shade Tree and Community Forest Preservation License Plate Fund and the No Net Loss Compensatory Reforestation program. Grant amount differs from year to year depending on funds available and total applications received.

Urban & Community Forestry Program
609-292-2532
CommunityForestry@njdepwptest.net
Urban & Community Forestry Program Guidelines

This Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program is administered by the DEP and in partnership with the I-Bank provide low-cost financing, including principal forgiveness (grant-like funding), interest free loans, and low interest loans for high priority projects, to finance the costs of infrastructure needed to achieve or maintain compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements and to protect the public health in conformance with the objectives of the Safe Drinking Water Act.  Projects are funded in priority order based on available funds.

Division of Water Supply & Geoscience
609-292-5550
WaterSupply@njdepwptest.net
Loans and Capacity Development

Like the DWSRF Program (noted above), the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) is administered by the DEP and in partnership with the I-Bank provides low-cost financing, including principal forgiveness (grant-like funding), interest free loans, and low interest loans to towns, boroughs, municipal utilities authorities, counties, regional water authorities and other local government units for the design, construction, and implementation of projects that help to protect, maintain and improve water quality.  The CWSRF Program has also extended project eligibility to private colleges and universities that are interested in sponsoring nonpoint source pollution projects to help address water quality concerns.

This program provides grants to reduce water quality impairment through implementation of nonpoint source pollution control projects. Funding comes from the Environmental Protection Agency, the New Jersey Corporate Business Tax Receipts, and Natural Resource Damage Settlements. Applicants must submit a project that meets the administrative requirement, objectives and project criteria as outlined in the Water Quality Restoration grant guidelines available for the current fiscal year. The awarded amount varies by need.

Bureau of Environmental Analysis, Restoration and Standards
609-633-1441| 609-984-0921
Water Quality Restoration Grants for Nonpoint Source Pollution

This program provides funds to states for the construction, renovation, operation, and maintenance of pump out stations and dump stations and for educational programs that inform boaters of the importance of proper disposal of their sewage. 75% of funding comes from US Fish and Wildlife Service with the other 25% coming from Shore Protections License Plate Sales. To be eligible for funding under this program, both public and private facilities must be open to the public and provide full and reasonable access to the pump out/dump station. Pump out construction/renovation – Estimates exceeding $20,000 must be approved by the New Jersey Clean Vessel Program Steering committee. Operation & Maintenance Program – Marina reimbursement for eligible costs not to exceed $3,500. Pump out boat operator reimbursement for eligible costs not to exceed $7,500.

DEP Fish and Wildlife
609-292-9410
Marine Trades Association of New Jersey
732-292-1051
Clean Vessel – Pump Out Facilities

This program provides grants to protect public and private properties and infrastructure from coastal storm damage, erosion and shoreline migration, and sea-level rise. Projects include beach replenishment and construction and maintenance of bulkheads, jetties, and seawalls. Municipalities and counties are eligible to apply. Project funding varies with the project scope. For projects conducted by the state and the grantee, the grantee must provide a minimum of 25% of the construction cost, provide engineering design and specifications, and provide perpetual easements to facilitate public access. The costs associated with the engineering design and specifications and costs to obtain real estate shall be bore solely by the grantee.

Division of Costal Engineering
732-255-0767
Shore Protection Program

Established by the Pinelands Infrastructure Trust Bond Act of 1985, the Program provides funding for infrastructure projects needed to accommodate existing and future needs in the 23 designated Pinelands Regional Growth Areas. Funding is available for the construction of new collection systems, interceptors, and the expansion/upgrade of wastewater treatment facilities. Projects certified under this program generally receive a grant for 40 percent of the allowable project costs and a loan for 20 percent of the allowable project costs from the Department. Loans for the remaining project costs may also be received from the Trust. Local government units, including municipalities and regional sewerage or utility authorities, are eligible for assistance. Loans are submitted through H2LOans, the online application system.

Municipal Finance and Construction Element
609-292-8961
Municipal Finance Loan Applications
609-219-8600
New Jersey Pinelands Infrastructure Trust Financing Program

The Historic Preservation Office, in partnership with the National Park Service, administers the Certified Local Government program to municipalities that meet specified criteria. The goals of the program are to ensure the broadest possible participation of local governments in the national historic preservation program, to enrich, develop, and help maintain local historic preservation programs and to provide financial and technical assistance to further these purposes. The Historic Preservation Office uses a competitive selection process and awards grants to projects that best meet the evaluation criteria and funding priorities described in the application packet. The maximum individual grant award is $50,000 and the minimum award is $15,000. All grants are awarded contingent upon the availability of federal funds.

New Jersey Historic Preservation Office
609-984-0176
Historic Preservation Certified Local Government Grants
609-292-4091

This program provides grants to counties for recycling program planning, household hazardous waste collection and other recycling program initiatives. Funding for this program comes from the $3.00 per ton tax on solid waste accepted for disposal or transfer at solid waste disposal facilities, as established in New Jersey’s Recycling Enhancement Act. Counites must submit an annual application for a grant.  Annual grants are based on the amount of solid waste generated in each county as a percentage of all waste generated in New Jersey. Program announcements, application deadlines and program guidelines are sent to the counties annually. Approximately $7,166,000.00 is to be distributed annually.

Division of Sustainable Waste Management
609-984-4250
ReaCountyGrant@njdepwptest.net
Recycling Enhancement Act County Grant

This program provides financial incentives to municipalities and counties to encourage recycling. Funding for this program comes from the $3.00 per ton tax on solid waste accepted for disposal or transfer at solid waste disposal facilities, as established in New Jersey’s Recycling Enhancement Act. Municipalities and counties must submit an annual recycling tonnage report by a Certified Recycling Coordinator (CRC) along with other materials to be considered for a grant. Limitations are dependent upon annual appropriation and the amount of materials recycled in the municipality, or county, the previous calendar year. Approximately $14,333,000.00 is to be distributed annually.

This program provides financial assistance for the implementation of litter abatement programs in eligible municipalities and counties within the State. All 21 New Jersey counties and 558 of the 565 New Jersey municipalities receive funding. At present, only seven municipalities are NOT eligible to receive Clean Communities Funding. They are: Loch Arbour (Monmouth), Millstone Borough (Somerset), Pine Valley (Camden), Rockleigh (Bergen), Tavistock (Camden), Teterboro (Bergen) and Walpack (Sussex). The Clean Communities Grants are entitlement grants. Grant amounts are based on population, housing units, road mileage, etc. Grants are limited based on the availability of funding. An absolute minimum grant is $4,000.

New Jersey Clean Communities
609-989-5900
njccc@njclean.org
Clean Communities Grant

This program provides grants to institutions of higher education for recycling demonstration, research or education, including professional training.  Funding for this program comes from the $3.00 per ton tax on solid waste accepted for disposal or transfer at solid waste disposal facilities, as established in New Jersey’s Recycling Enhancement Act.  Interested colleges and universities must apply for a grant.  Application procedures are explained in the program guidelines as provided by the DEP.  Approximately $1 million of Recycling Enhancement Act recycling tax funds have been allocated for this program.  The Department anticipates renewing this grant opportunity each year, contingent on funding.

Division of Sustainable Waste Management
(609) 984-4250
Solid Waste Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) Higher Education Research Grant Program

The DEP Equipment Modernization Program is a diesel replacement program. This program utilizes state and federal funding to replace both marine engines and non-road diesel vehicles – anything from ferry vessels to backhoe loaders. Contingent upon open solicitations, the program also works with both municipalities and private entities to electrify on-road diesel vehicles, such as school buses, garbage trucks, and port equipment. Once an applicant has been approved for a project, the DEP works with the applicant to process a state grant agreement contract that covers the purchase of new equipment as well as the reimbursement for that purchase. The percentage of reimbursement varies depending on funding and the type of project.

Bureau of Mobile Sources
609-633-1220
StopTheSoot@njdepwptest.net
Equipment Modernization Program

This program provides municipalities, communities and other qualifying organizations a cost-share incentive to obtain Firewise Community/USA designation, implement hazard mitigation activities, train community Firewise liaisons and conduct outreach and awareness activities in the community. Funding is provided by the USDA Forest Service- through the Cohesive Fire Strategy Grants. Funding is limited to half of the project cost, up to $5,000 per Firewise community.

New Jersey Forest Fire Service
732-928-0029
Community Firewise Grants

This program provides unprotected rural volunteer fire companies with cost-share funding opportunities to purchase firefighting equipment, supplies, personal protective equipment and training to support wildland firefighting in their respective communities. Funded through USDA Forest Service-National Fire Plan, single fire departments serving a rural area or a rural community with a population of 10,000 or less are eligible. The minimum amount an eligible fire department or community may request is $5,000. A maximum of $10,000 may be requested. Funding depends on the number of requests and the funds available. If an application/proposal is accepted for a grant award, 50% of the total project amount will be reimbursed. Fire Departments may apply for funding of multiple projects or purchases. The applicant’s matching contribution must be from sources other than federal grants. Applicants must be registered on NJSTART with a Vendor ID Number and must have registered DUNS number.

New Jersey Forest Fire Service
609-940-4047
Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants (VFA)

This program exists to support environmental health services undertaken by certified local health agencies on behalf of the DEP. Funding depends upon State appropriation funds made available to the program. Grants are awarded on an annual basis. The certified health agency’s contribution shall be a 100% match of the State’s approved legislative designated funds. Grants awarded for pilot projects/elective programs do not have a match requirement. Certified local health agencies must attend a grant conference/meeting and submit a countywide Environmental Health Assessment and Improvement Plan.

Bureau of Local Environmental Management and Right to Know
609-292-1305
County Environmental Health Act Grants (CEHA)

A SEP is an environmentally beneficial project that a respondent voluntarily agrees to perform as a condition of settling an enforcement action. A SEP is an activity that the respondent would not otherwise have been required to perform, and in which the public or the environment is the primary beneficiary. Once included in the settlement document, completion of the SEP becomes a binding requirement and if not completed as required, could be subject to stipulated penalties. After the final penalty settlement amount has been determined, the penalty is then adjusted to account for the cost of the SEP. For each dollar spent on the SEP, one dollar can be deducted from the penalty amount, up to 75% of the total penalty agreed to in the settlement. However, 50% is the maximum offset allowed for violations of the New Jersey Water Pollution Control Act. The fact that the respondent is conducting a SEP should not be incorporated into the calculation of the final penalty amount.

Office of Enforcement Policy
SEP@njdepwptest.net
Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs)
Combined SEP Policies Fact Sheet

This program provides various grants and loans to public and, private entities, and nonprofit organizations for the investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites. The program is funded through a constitutionally-dedicated portion of the New Jersey Corporate Business Tax, and is administered through a partnership between the DEP and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA). The DEP evaluates an applicant’s preliminary eligibility requirements, and the estimated remediation costs. Upon the DEP’s recommendation for funding, the EDA evaluates an applicant’s financial status, determines grant and/or loan eligibility and awards funding.

Office of Brownfield & Community Revitalization
609-984-1790
Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund
Application Form & Instructions

This fund provides financial assistance in the form of loans and grants to eligible owners and operators for the closure and remediation of a discharge of residential and other unregulated petroleum underground storage tanks, and for the closure and remediation of State regulated petroleum underground storage tanks. A portion of the New Jersey Corporate Business Tax has provided financial assistance for this Fund.  The amount dedicated each year is approximately $10-15 million, depending on the amount of Corporate Business Tax collected. A public entity applying for financial assistance from the Fund may only be awarded financial assistance in the form of an interest free loan. Eligible commercial entities must own less than 10 petroleum underground storage tanks in New Jersey; have a net worth of less than $2 million; and demonstrate the inability to qualify for and obtain a commercial loan for all or part of the eligible costs.  For grants eligible commercial entities must have taxable income not exceeding $250,000.00, and a net worth not exceeding $500,000.00, excluding their primary residence and pension.

Site Remediation Program
609-984-2076
The Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Remediation, Upgrade and Closure Fund
UST Fund Frequently Asked Questions

These grants provide funding to nonprofit community groups to employ independent Licensed Site Remediation Professionals to perform activities designed to help improve the community’s understanding of the environmental conditions at, and remediation of, a contaminated site. The bulk of the funds must be used to hire an independent Licensed Site Remediation Professional as a technical advisor to help interpret and comment on site related documents. Funded by the DEP, grants are available to community groups during the remedial investigation phase and the remedial action phase of a cleanup of a contaminated site. DEP will award a maximum of $10,000 for a single remedial investigation and a maximum of $10,000 for a single remedial action. DEP will not award a Technical Assistance Grant to more than one community group at any one time for any contaminated site.

Office of Community Relations
609-984-3081
Technical Assistance Grants

Blue Acres is a division of the Green Acres Program dedicated to alleviating threats to life and property in repeatedly flood damaged or potentially flood prone areas. Properties in flood prone areas, or that may buffer or protect other lands from such damage, are eligible for an appraisal for the acquisition of the property from willing sellers.

Blue Acres Program
609-940-4140
BlueAcres@njdepwptest.net
Blue Acres Frequently Asked Questions