Grants Overview
America250AL will distribute up to $725,000 in grant funding to Alabama municipalities and counties, as well as to nonprofit organizations that regularly host programming related to the American Revolution and the founding era. These grants will support locally driven commemorations of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, ensuring that communities across the state can meaningfully participate in the celebration of this historic milestone.
Applicant Eligibility
Semiquincentennial Community Grants – $2,500
- Open to each of Alabama’s 460+ municipalities and 67 county commissions
- Local governments are encouraged to develop projects in partnership with local schools, museums, libraries, historic sites,
and other nonprofit cultural and community organizations - Limited to one grant per municipality and county commission, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
Semiquincentennial Organization Grants – $1,000
- Open to all Alabama-based nonprofit organizations and associations that regularly host programming related to the American Revolution and founding era, including, but not limited to, local chapters of:
- Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Sons of the American Revolution (SAR),
the Society of the Revolution in Alabama, etc.
- Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Sons of the American Revolution (SAR),
- Limited to one grant per chapter or association, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
Project Criteria
All grant-funded projects must:
- Be open and accessible to the public
- Foster community involvement and unity
- Demonstrate clear relevance to Alabama’s commemoration of the U.S. semiquincentennial
- Be feasible and take place between January 1 and August 31, 2026
- Acknowledge support from America250AL
Additionally, all projects must meet at least one of the following program goals:
- Enrich public understanding of America’s founding principles, history, or system of self-government
- Enhance civic education and engagement to advance the cause of liberty and self-governance
- Educate students or the broader public about historical contributions to the nation’s story
- Emphasize the service and sacrifices of American veterans of all generations
Grant funding may not be used to pay for any of the following costs:
- Food and alcohol
- Personnel (salaries and wages)
- Lobbying and lobbying services
- Contributions to endowment funds
- Real estate purchases
Community Project Examples
Community Celebrations
Fireworks, parades, concerts,
and festivals
Commemorative Art
Murals, public art installations, theatrical performances,
literary readings, and
curated exhibitions
School-Based Programs
Time capsules, field trips,
essay contests, and curriculum or lesson-plan development
Civic Education and Service Projects
Public forums and civic dialogues
Cemetery cleanups, flag retirement ceremonies, and installation of commemorative markers
Educational Programs
Lectures, symposia,
historical reenactments, exhibitions,
and oral history projects
Special publications, documentary
or media features, and
digital content initiatives
Application Process
All applications must be submitted digitally through America250AL’s online grants portal.
The deadline to submit applications is May 8, 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to attend monthly webinars provided by America250AL staff and to contact the Grants Administrator, Graydon Rust, at grust@americanvillage.org or by scheduling a call to discuss eligibility and for technical assistance.
America250AL staff will review applications on a rolling basis and approve awards as funds remain available. Applicants who do not meet eligibility criteria will be offered feedback and may reapply with revisions prior to the submission deadline. Grant awards are made at the discretion of America250AL. Decisions are final and not subject to appeal. America250AL reserves the right to award funds in alignment with its mission and program priorities.