Open Space Application

Want to apply for open space funding for your municipality or non-profit? Fill out the Open Space application.

For the 2026 funding round, we are introducing a new application process. All application materials will now be submitted through an online program portal (https://preservation-trust.azurewebsites.net/home). A virtual training session for prospective applicants on how to gain access and use the portal will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026.

Apply

Step 1.Pay Attention to the Deadlines

NOTE: As we transition to the online submittal, some application materials will still be required in hard copy form as listed below:

One (1) signed paper copy of the completed fillable pdf application(s) must be submitted to the County by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026.
Municipal applicants must also submit a copy of the Schedule C worksheet by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026 (may be submitted via email to bmurray@co.morris.nj.us).
One copy of an appraisal, conducted in accordance with Section 3.3.6.2 of the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund Rules and Regulations, must be submitted as part of the application by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026.
The Project Finance Sheet (page 5 of the application) must also be submitted as part of the application by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026.

Program rules now include costs for demolition and restoration of a property (up to a maximum of 10% of the eligible land cost, or $50,000 whichever is less) as allowable costs under the program.

Step 2.Attend the Virtual Training Session

A virtual training session for prospective applicants on how to access and use the portal will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM, via Webex. Registration is required. RSVP for the Training Session.

Meeting Link: https://morriscountynj.webex.com/morriscountynj/j.php?MTID=m87f8e529fffe35c10b17e1116f3cb339

Webinar Number: 2339 096 5256
Webinar Password: MCplanning

Step 3.Complete the Online Application

Note: 2026 Applications are due on Friday, June 12, 2026 by 4:30 PM. For 2026, applicants must complete and submit these documents via paper copy by the deadline of 4:30 PM on June 12, 2026:

2026 Municipal and Non-Profit Grant Application(PDF, 2MB) including the 2026 Project Finance Sheet.
One (1) copy of the appraisal conducted in accordance with Section 3.3.6.2 of the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund Rules and Regulations.

The following documents may be emailed to Program Coordinator Barbara Murray via bmurray@co.morris.nj.us by the application deadline of 4:30 PM on June 12, 2026:

2026 Schedule C Worksheet(XLSX, 21KB)

Address:
Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation
P.O. Box 900
30 Schuyler Place
Morristown, NJ 07963

Step 4.Submit the Grant Application Online

All potential applicants must email Barbara Murray (bmurray@co.morris.nj.us) before May 15, 2026 with their names and email addresses to facilitate their sign-in to the portal.

Submit your application via the program portal by the grant application deadline of June 12, 2026. The time you submit the full application through the portal, in addition to all the required paper copies of application materials noted above, will be considered the official time of submission of your application.

Contact:

Barbara J. Murray, AICP/PP
Open Space Program Coordinator
bmurray@co.morris.nj.us
973-829-8120 (office)

Questions about the form and application requirements can be directed to Barbara Murray at (973) 829-8120 or by e-mail: Barbara Murray, Program Coordinator.