VA250 Grants
The VA250 Commission offers grant programs to support local commemorative events, programs, and activities. Local VA250 committees whose local governing body has passed a resolution of support are encouraged to apply.
Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia 250 Preservation Fund
The Virginia Department of Historic Resources received $20,000,000 in the 2024-2026 Virginia Biennial Budget to initiate a grant program to support improvements at significant historic sites and history museums in Virginia in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence (also known as the nation’s semiquincentennial).
Eligibility is not limited to properties related to the American Revolution. Any historic site or museum that meets all the requirements is eligible to apply.
VTC VA250 Tourism Marketing Program
The VA250 Tourism Marketing Program, created in partnership between the VA250 Commission and the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is designed to support, promote, and market programming, events, and interpretive signage against the backdrop of the 250th commemoration. Virginia communities are encouraged to begin planning and preparations for statewide commemorations in the coming years. Programs must support the mission of the VA250 Commission and drive visitation to Virginia destinations.
The next round of applications will open on August 1, 2024.
This program is open twice per year through 2026. Applicants may apply in future rounds even if they have made a prior application.
Virginia Humanities Grant
Virginia Humanities and VA250 have joined together to provide grants that will fund content development, exhibit design, and other humanities-related programs to localities.
Projects should be focused on content on the American Revolution and applicants should work with their local VA250 Committees. Applicants may apply for up to $10,000, and a 1:1 match is required. Grant recipients will use the VA250 logo and branding identification and submit a final report detailing outcomes, number of participants, and an evaluation of the program’s reach and success.
Applications are closed as of May 15, 2024.
Virginia Commission for the Arts Grant
Virginia Commission for the Arts and VA250 will partner to provide Creative Community Partnership Grants to arts organizations throughout the Commonwealth. The first application round is closed as of April 1.
Other Grant Opportunities
The National Park Service is accepting applications for the third round of funding for the Semiquincentennial Grant Program. This grant program was created by Congress in 2020 to support the preservation of sites and structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places that commemorate the founding of the nation.
To mark the semiquincentennial of the United States of America, the National Endowment for the Arts also seeks arts projects furthering its mission of fostering and sustaining an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. The NEA is partnering with America250 to encourage arts projects that educate and engage communities in dialogue about the past, present, and future of our nation. Project examples may include public art recognizing the milestone, collaborative community arts projects exploring the nation’s identity, or retrospectives of celebrated or overlooked American artists. Projects are welcome in all artistic disciplines.
The Institute of Library and Museum Services‘s mission is to advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. The IMLS has many grant opportunities for museums available right now. Click below to learn more and apply.