CELEBRATION FUND
Take part in this once-in-a-generation opportunity to honor the American spirit!
As we approach the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, we invite local communities to take part in this once-in-a-generation opportunity to honor the American spirit. The America250 in Idaho Celebration Fund provides seed funding to help local jurisdictions create celebrations commemorating the ideals of the American Revolution—equality, liberty, and justice.
From parades and public art to exhibits and community festivals, these grants are designed to ensure that the story of America is told in every corner of our state. We encourage local leaders to join us in commemorating this historic milestone with events and projects that celebrate our past, reflect on our present, and inspire our future. Let’s celebrate 250 years of independence—together.
Details
Total Amount: $250,000
Grant amounts: Up to $2,500
Purpose: The America250 in Idaho Celebration Fund intends to support local communities in celebrating July 4th, 2026. The program encourages cities and counties to issue resolutions commemorating America 250 and provides funding to support events or community installations celebrating our national founding. Funded projects must show a clear America 250 connection in branding and themes.
The scoring committee will prioritize projects where there is collaboration among city, county, and community organizations. No local match is required; applicants are encouraged to apply to supplement larger efforts celebrating America 250.
Eligible Entities: Applicants for this program must be a city or county.
Cities and counties are encouraged to collaborate with schools, chambers of commerce, and local organizations to enhance community outreach. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate on events and submit a united application. For united applications, each city or county participating will be eligible to receive up to $2,500 in seed funding.
Project Requirements: Projects must tie directly to America 250. A resolution must be passed in each jurisdiction applying for funds. The committee has included a sample resolution that applicants may use and tailor to fit their purposes. Applicants must submit complete event details that will be used in the America 250 website calendar. The America 250 website is the one-stop shop for all America 250 events across the state.
Eligible Activities
- A250 Event
- The application must provide specific details planned for the project (the who, what, where, and when of the project)
- Mini grants will support costs directly associated with the event, including but not limited to advertising and supplies
- Community exhibitions & signage
- Public art or mural with a clear America 250 connection
- Local exhibit
- Exhibit must be inside a public space open to the public
- The display must be exhibited through 2026 at a minimum
Ineligible Activities
- Staff time
- Non-America 250 mission-related operating costs
- Equipment costs (cameras, computers, hard drives, etc.)
- Alcohol
Scoring Committee
- Representative Brandon Mitchell, A250 Council Co-Chair
- Senator Ben Adams, A250 Council Co-Chair
- Senator Jim Guthrie, A250 Council Member
- Representative Chris Bruce, A250 Council Member.
Secretary of State, Phil McGrane’s Office will receive applications as the administrator of the Celebration Fund via URL. The scoring committee, legislative members of the A250 Advisory Council, will make award determinations on a monthly basis. There will be a rolling monthly award period, where projects that meet a passing score will be awarded. The committee will accept applications until all Celebration Fund monies are expended.
Timeline
Announce grants 6/19/2025
Launch of A250 website 7/1/2025
Application portal opens 8/1/2025
Application portal closes 12/31/2025
A250 steering approves awardees Monthly
Final grant payments issued TBD
Award Process: Grant funds will be paid in disbursements as an advance. Grant funds will not be disbursed until a grant agreement is fully signed and executed.
Match: No local match is required
Reporting: Final project report is due by the published deadline. The report will consist of a brief narrative of the A250 in Idaho project and photographs of completed exhibition or event.
Application requirements:
Letter of support from county commission, mayor, and/or city council
Project summary – max 500 words
Draft proclamation
Calendar event details
Events
