Mercer County Open Space Assistance Program (MCOSAP)

Mercer County provides fee simple or easement acquisition funding for locally significant preservation projects through the MCOSAP. Funding preferences for municipal and nonprofit initiated projects will be based on their consistency with the goals and criteria of the Mercer County Open Space and Recreation Plan and local master plans. Projects should demonstrate efforts to leverage other governmental and private funds while providing locally significant open space for the residents of Mercer County.

This program is open to all municipalities in Mercer County and qualified non-profit land trusts. If you wish to apply for funding, please send the application below to the Mercer County Planning Department, c/o Cindy Taylor, McDade Administration Building, 640 South Broad Street, P.O. Box 8068, Trenton, NJ 08650 or by email to ctaylor@mercercounty.org. Questions regarding the application process should also be directed to Cindy Taylor (609-989-6545).

 Applications are reviewed by the Open Space Preservation Board, which provides a funding recommendation to the County Administration. Ultimately, funding must be approved by the Mercer County Board of Commissioners.  

 ***Please Note - Applications must be received three (3) weeks before a meeting date to be considered at that meeting***

More Information

• Open Space Preservation Assistance Program Policy
• MCOSAP Application 
• MCOSAP Process Checklist
• Memo:  2020 Mercer County Grant Agreement, Deed of Conservation Restriction Updates
• Mercer County Open Space Assistance Program Grant Agreement (sample)
• Deed Language
• Deed of Conservation Restriction (sample)