Montclair Foundation Nets $397K Grant For Van Vleck House & Gardens

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of The Montclair Foundation. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Montclair Foundation is proud to announce it has been awarded a Capital Grant of $397,310 from the New Jersey Historic Trust, a 50% matching grant, to support critical preservation work at Van Vleck House & Gardens. The award was formally announced during the NJ Historic Trust board meeting on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

The funding will support the second phase of roof restoration at the historic Van Vleck Main House, specifically the preservation of the cornice and balustrade and the installation of new exterior light fixtures. Construction on this next phase is scheduled to begin in Spring 2026.

This grant builds on the success of Phase One of the roof restoration, which is currently underway and set to be completed within the next few weeks. Together, these projects represent critical steps in safeguarding the architectural integrity and timeless beauty of Van Vleck House for future generations.

“This grant is a tremendous milestone for The Montclair Foundation and Van Vleck House & Gardens,” said Cathy Garrity, Board Chair of The Montclair Foundation. “We are thrilled to see our historic Main House continue to be preserved for the community. The support from the New Jersey Historic Trust, as a 50% matching grant, ensures that Van Vleck remains a beautiful and inspiring space for generations to come.”

"We are honored to receive this support from the New Jersey Historic Trust, which allows us to continue the careful preservation of Van Vleck House & Gardens," said Anita Peterson, Interim Executive Director of The Montclair Foundation. "Van Vleck is more than a historic house, it’s a vibrant community resource. Two foundations have offices here, local nonprofits use the space for meetings and events, and we host monthly nonprofit roundtables, Free Second Sunday concerts, The Secret Tea Room, Yoga and Meditation and now a new Cultural Arts series. Preserving this historic treasure ensures that it remains accessible and welcoming for all who benefit from its programs, now and in the future."

Van Vleck House & Gardens serves as a hub for cultural, educational, and nonprofit programming while maintaining its historic character. The NJ Historic Trust’s support ensures that the property continues to function as a dynamic and inspiring place for the community.

Those who wish to support the preservation of Van Vleck House & Gardens can make a gift online at www.montclairfoundation.org/donate. Every contribution helps protect this historic treasure for the community and future generations.

About The Montclair Foundation

The Montclair Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that awards grants to charitable organizations in the greater Montclair area. Equally important to the Foundation is its commitment to the historic preservation and beauty of Van Vleck House & Gardens, which it acquired in 1993, and the role it plays in the educational enrichment and cultural enjoyment of the community. The Foundation serves as a vehicle for those who wish to make lasting investments in our community’s future through philanthropic contributions and bequests.

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