Americas 250th
Events Grant
Awards up to $1,000 (No match required)
About the Grant
The America’s 250th Events Grant supports community-based organizations in planning and delivering public events or programs for the commemoration of America’s 250th in Washington State. The program is designed to encourage inclusive, locally driven activities that bring people together to reflect on our shared history. Priority will be given to projects that incorporate history and connect to an official Washington State America’s 250th initiative.
Grants will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis only, meaning grantees must pay for event/program expenses before receiving grant funds. Grantees will only be reimbursed upon submitting expenses and reporting documents.
Organizations can request up to $1,000 to support a publicly accessible event or program in Washington State as part of America’s 250th anniversary.
Timeline
- April 27, 2026 - Grant application opens
- May 8, 2026 - Grant Workshop (register here)
- May 29, 2026 5:00 pm - Grant Applications DUE
- June 2026 - Granted Projects Announced, contracting begins
- June - October 2026 - Project work may proceed after contracts are signed
- October 31, 2026 - Grant funded projects completed
- November 30, 2026 - Final report and reimbursement request submitted
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored organizations, Tribal entities, and local governmental entities in Washington state.
Organizations must be registered as an America’s 250th official partner in Washington state to apply.
State agencies, for-profit organizations, and individuals are not eligible to apply.
Apply today
Full guidelines and grant application can be found over at the Washington State Historical Society website.
Background
The Washington State Historical Society (WSHS) will distribute $250,000 between June 2026 and June 2027 through two competitive grant programs as part of the commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
- $50,000 for the America’s 250th Events Grant (individual awards up to $1,000) to support community-based organizations in planning and delivering public events for the commemoration of America’s 250th. Applications will be due May 29, 2026.
- $200,000 for the History Assist Grant (individual awards up to $8,000) to fund capacity building and infrastructure that increases the ability of history organizations to preserve, interpret, and share history with diverse audiences. Applications will be due August 28, 2026.
These funds are part of Grant No. 07 79 07797 awarded by United States Economic Development Administration and provided by the Industry Sector Development Program of the Washington State Department of Commerce. This grant program is administered by the Washington State Historical Society under contract with the Washington State Department of Commerce.
These guidelines are for the America’s 250th Events Grant ONLY. To find guidelines for the History Assist Grant, please visit: washingtonhistory.org/250grants
