Funding Opportunities

Organizations are encouraged to explore these funding opportunities to support projects and initiatives that honor the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Bucks County Mini-Grants Program

Overview: The Bucks250PA mini-grants program aims to uplift and improve programming, projects, and events from eligible Bucks County non-profit organizations that contribute to a full calendar of activities and programs centered around the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America declaring its independence. We’re looking for proposals that show strong planning, a clear connection to the goals of the America250PA initiative, and a creative or meaningful approach to commemorating this milestone. While collaboration isn’t required, projects that involve partnerships, public engagement, or cross-sector cooperation are encouraged. We also value efforts that consider how success will be measured and how the project will make a lasting impact in the community.
Timeline: 1st application period ran from October 1st to December 1st. Final determination on grants awarded will be announced late January 2026.

Overview: The Philadelphia Funder Collaborative offers grants to Philadelphia-area nonprofits for planning and programs related to the 2026 commemorations. Eligible organizations must be public charities recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All project activities must take place in the city of Philadelphia and/or the Pennsylvania counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, or Montgomery. The collaborative encourages collaborative projects involving multiple partners and those directly tied to the Semiquincentennial commemoration.
Timeline: The collaborative is currently accepting proposals for implementation grants. Letters of inquiry for funding cycle seven were due by December 6, 2024. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a second-stage application.
Apply: For more information and to apply, visit the official Phila 2026 Fund website.

Overview: America250PA and EQT Corporation, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and in support of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, have introduced National Pennsylvania Day Mini Grants. These grants aim to fund community beautification projects across the state, promoting civic pride and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include local governments, schools, community groups, and non-profit organizations throughout Pennsylvania.
Timeline: Grant applications are typically accepted once a year leading up to National Pennsylvania Day, celebrated on July 20.
Apply: For more information and to apply, visit the official Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website.

Overview: America250PA’s Semiquincentennial Grants are administered by America250PA with funding support from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Legislature. These grants provide funding for projects that align with the themes of education, preservation, innovation, and celebration. Grant funds will be distributed evenly between America250PA’s six regions unless one or more regions has fewer qualifying grant applications compared to other regions.
Timeline: Applications for the first round of grants, totaling $490,000, were awarded on January 15, 2025. Those who did not receive funding are encouraged to reapply during the Spring Grant period from April 1 – May 15, 2025. Interested organizations should monitor the America250PA website for updates on the upcoming second round of applications.
Apply: For more information and to apply, visit the official America250PA website.

Overview: Historic Preservation Fund Semiquincentennial Grants are administered by the National Park Service. These grants support the restoration and preservation of sites and structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places that commemorate the founding of the nation. Eligible applicants include local governments, non-profit organizations, public and non-profit institutions of higher education, and tribes.
Timeline: Applications opened in fall of 2024 and are due in winter of 2025. All applications must be made through Grants.gov, no paper applications will be accepted. Registration in Grants.gov, SAM.gov, and other federal systems can take up to four weeks. Extensions will not be granted due to incomplete registrations in these systems.
Apply: For more information and to apply, visit the official National Park Service’s website.

Please check back for additional grant opportunities!