Workshop Planned on County History Grant Program

Applications for the 2011 Bergen County History Grant Program are now available.

The grants are available to Bergen County agencies to fund local historical organizations and projects. All first-time applicants are encouraged to attend the grant workshop at 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Bergen County Administration Building, 1 Bergen Plaza, Hackensack.

The following grants are available: 

General Operating Support Grants: for established historical organizations with operating funds of at least $4,000 to assist with expenses which include but are not limited to: salaries, contracted services, marketing & fund-raising fees, utilities, staff training, maintenance of collections, long-term planning.

Special Project Grants: for specific history projects that contribute to the Bergen County historical record, promote local history and assist and encourage the preservation of historic Bergen County. Projects that would be eligible include: museum exhibitions; publications; conservation of collections, archives & historic cemeteries; preparation of National Register nominations for Bergen County historic properties; oral history projects; production of history films or videos. 

Applicants for the 2011 Bergen County History Grant must be non-profit organizations based in Bergen County. Local municipalities and libraries may not apply for operating grants but are eligible for project grants. Funding must be matched by applicants on a 1:1 basis and applies to expenses incurred from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011. 

All applicants are encouraged to provide marketing and outreach to diverse communities and to produce programs that respond to the needs of ethnic and culturally diverse audiences.

Organizations are required to first submit a Declaration of Intent to Apply to the Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs by Nov. 5. The grant application deadline is Nov. 30. 

The grant information and forms may be obtained by calling 201-336-7267. Applicants also can download the forms from the county's website:   http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/bcparks/CulturalAndHistoric.aspx under the Historic and Preservation links section on the right side of the page.