New Jersey expands Green Acres grant funding and eligibility for 2026 park and open space projects
TRENTON, N.J. — The Murphy Administration announced Friday that applications are now open for park development and open space preservation projects through the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Green Acres Program, with expanded funding opportunities and eligibility criteria for 2026.
As part of the new funding round, the DEP is introducing significant changes designed to strengthen access to funding for local governments and nonprofit organizations. For the first time, each of New Jersey’s 564 municipalities will be eligible for a minimum of 25% grant funding, substantially increasing support for park and open space projects statewide.
“Every resident of our state deserves well-designed and welcoming parks in their community and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors close to home,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “The changes to this year’s application process, as well as expansion of funding and eligibility criteria, strengthen our commitment to these ideals for all. We are excited to continue New Jersey’s strong national legacy of open space preservation and commitment to high-quality recreation through the next round of Green Acres projects.”
The 2026 funding round allows municipalities and eligible nonprofits to submit up to one application for each of three categories—land acquisition, park development, and stewardship. Previously, applicants could only submit for either acquisition or park development in addition to stewardship.
Under the Murphy Administration, New Jersey has invested more than $510 million in Green Acres funding, marking the highest level of investment in the program’s history. These funds have supported land preservation, park construction, and environmental stewardship projects across the state, with a special focus on improving access to recreation and green space in historically overburdened communities.
“We are proud to expand Green Acres funding opportunities this round, to empower municipalities, counties, and nonprofit organizations to accomplish the projects that residents want in their communities,” said Elizabeth Dragon, Assistant Commissioner for Community Investment and Economic Revitalization. “We look forward to increasing the State’s open space inventory, developing trails, and enhancing recreation opportunities statewide.”
Expanded Eligibility and Funding
The 2026 round expands minimum grant funding levels for counties and municipalities and removes geographic limitations on nonprofit park development projects.
- Counties in Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Salem, Sussex, and Warren are now newly eligible for 50% grants for county-sponsored park development projects.
- All municipalities are now eligible for a minimum of 25% grant funding, extending opportunities to 402 municipalities that were previously only eligible for loan funding.
Focus on Trails and Inclusivity
Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals for trail creation and expansion, reflecting the public’s top recreational priority in the state’s Outside, Together! plan, which outlines a five-year vision for outdoor recreation, equity, and climate resilience.
In addition, inclusive playgrounds—designed to accommodate children of all abilities—remain a funding priority under the park development category, following the conclusion of the Jake’s Law Pilot Program.
Public Engagement and Application Sessions
Green Acres is emphasizing early public engagement to ensure community input in park planning. Virtual information sessions will be held throughout November and December to help applicants understand the 2026 changes and submission process.
Applications are now available on the Green Acres website, with a submission deadline of Feb. 27, 2026. Recordings of the virtual information sessions will also be posted online.
