Methods and apparatus for preserving tissue such as harvested organs for transplant are described. A preferred method includes delivering to a harvested organ an effective amount of electromagnetic energy, the electromagnetic energy having a wavelength in the visible to near-infrared wavelength range, wherein delivering the effective amount of electromagnetic energy includes selecting a predetermined power density (mW/cm.sup.2) of electromagnetic energy to deliver to the organ while in hypothermic or normothermic storage. A preferred apparatus includes a container having a cooling chamber to receive the harvested organ and at least one light source mounted on the container to illuminate the interior cooling chamber, said light source emiting light which produces a biostimulative effect on tissue placed in the cooling chamber thereby preventing or retarding damage to the tissue during storage or transport.