Restore Trenton! Grant Program Applications Now Available! (Click here).
The Trenton Historical Society is pleased to announce that the 2025 Restore Trenton! grant round is now open. The grants provide funding to property owners for the exterior rehabilitation of residential properties more than 50 years of age in the City of Trenton. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, the repair of roofs, exterior materials, windows, doors, porches, and trim. Grants range from $1,000 to $4,000.
The Society will be hosting a grant application workshop on Wednesday, March 26, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Trenton Free Public Library,* 120 Academy Street, Trenton. Potential applicants are invited to come learn more about the grant program guidelines and application process.
The Restore Trenton! grant program was founded in 2007. Since that time, the Society has given out more than $160,000 in grants to property owners for the preservation of the city’s historic housing stock. The program is supported by the Society’s annual fundraiser, Stop the Wrecking Ball, held annually in November at a historic building in Trenton.
Grant applications can be found on the Society’s website: www.trentonhistory.org. For more information, please contact the Society at trentonhistoricalsoc@gmail.com or call (609) 396-4478. Applications are due by April 18, 2025, and grant awards will be announced in May.
To be eligible to receive a Restore Trenton! grant, a property must be a residential property located within Trenton city limits and be at least 50 years old or older. Preference is given to properties owned by Trenton residents and located in an historic district or those listed as an individual property by the Trenton Landmarks Commission or on the New Jersey or National Register of Historic Places.
Funding is limited to exterior projects and may include, but are not limited to, rehabilitation, restoration and major repairs (but not ongoing maintenance) of architectural details and features. Preference is given to projects focusing on a structure’s most visible façade(s).
The following are examples of projects eligible for funding under the grant program:
- Restoration of existing architectural features
- Replacement of missing architectural features
- Exterior painting
- Brick and Masonry repairs (includes major re-pointing but not stuccoing) Chimney repair
- Door repair/replacement
- Window repair/replacement (but not vinyl or aluminum)
- Railing repair/replacement
- Porch support repair/replacement
- Roof repairs
- Exterior weatherization of the building
Winning projects are selected by members of THS’ Preservation Committee. Awards range between $1000-$4000 and are dispersed at two stages during the project – at 50% completion and at 100% completion, with approval following an inspection at both stages. Applicants are responsible for complying with all City, State and Federal requirements for permits and approval and projects must be completed within 12 months of the award.
* This event is neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Trenton Free Public Library