Announcing America250MI History Grant Program

$2 million in grants available for local projects

By Barb Pert Templeton

The first round of applications for the America250MI History Grant Program, awarding $2 million to history organizations and their partners across the state between 2025 and 2026, opens Saturday, March 1.

The first round will accept grant applications until April 15. Round 2 opens Nov. 1 and closes Jan. 15, 2026.

Applicants must submit a detailed project description, timeline, communications plan and budget. The America250MI committee will evaluate all applications.

Award amounts are available in three tiers:

· Tier 1: $2,500-5,000.

· Tier 2: $5,001-25,000.

· Tier 3: $25,001-50,000.

Tier 1 projects have no match requirements. Applicants who are awarded an amount within Tier 2 will be required to match 15% of the grants. Tier 3 projects require a 30% match.

A recent press release stated that the grants offer an opportunity to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America and the American Revolution’s role in Michigan’s history. The process hopes to examine the impact of those plus other historic events on the people of Michigan’s past, present and future; and strengthen efforts to protect, interpret and share this vital history.

The grant funds, appropriated to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by the state Legislature, represent a key element of the state’s commemoration of the USA’s 250th anniversary.

“The America250MI grants create a lot of possibilities for safeguarding and elevating Michigan history and making that history more tangible, understandable and impactful to all Michiganders,” said Larry J. Wagenaar, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan.

Composed of two rounds, with $1 million available per round, the grant program will help fund projects of all sizes that interpret, preserve or explore Michigan’s history. Applicants can seek funding for a variety of projects, including but not limited to educational programming, capital improvements, exhibits, collections management and interpretive signs.

Projects may focus on any historical subject that has helped shape the Michigan of today.

“New equipment or storage materials to improve the long-term preservation of and access to collections; partnerships to co-create learning opportunities for under- and unrepresented communities; bricks-and-mortar and conservation work on significant artifacts and historic sites – there are a variety of ways to leverage this funding to make a powerful, lasting impact on Michigan history,” Wagenaar said.

Eligible applicants include tribal governments, 501(c)(3) nonprofit history organizations and local units of government. All applications must include at least one organization devoted to history.

“These funds demonstrate a dedication not only to Michigan’s past, but also to its future,” said Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan History Center. “Awarded projects will help preserve and share Michigan stories that can guide us over the next 250 years.”

Guiding themes:

The grant program will prioritize impactful projects that encourage community collaboration and align with the America250MI Five Guiding Themes:

· Unfinished Revolutions. From the American Revolution through the Underground Railroad, Michigan has a history of people fighting for freedom, recognition and basic human rights. What revolutions continue to this day?

· Power of Place. It is human nature to identify ourselves by place, whether that is the geographic, geologic and physical environment or the political, economic, historic, cultural and emotional connections to it. How does “place” define us?

· We the People. Michigan is home to more than 10 million unique people of different races, cultures, languages, ethnicities, religions and points of view. What does “being American” mean today, and how do new generations discover belonging?

· American Experiment. Democracy is challenging. Through the lens of history we can see successes, mistakes and opportunities. How can we build on these to shed even more light on our government, democratic institutions and civic life?

· Doing History. As those who love, teach, preserve and make history, we must work together with our communities to interact with Michigan’s past. How can we best engage people in conversations about what history is and why it All grant details, including requirements, eligibility and scoring, are outlined in the grant booklet, which all prospective applicants should review before beginning the application process. Additional information about the grants and the statewide commemoration is available on America250MI’s website. Questions about the program? Email Grants.America250MI@gmail.com.

Blue Water Healthy Living contacted Michigan History Center Department of Natural Resources Communications Coordinator Shelby Laupp via email to learn more about the program.

Blue Water Healthy Living: Any idea how many applications you may receive for this type of grant?

Michigan History Center Department of Natural Resources Communication Coordinator Shelby Laupp: At this time, we are unsure of how many applications we will receive this round. We have not put caps on any of the tiers people can apply for, until we see what the response is. We are excited to see what comes in.

BWHL: Can you share a few examples of what type of project would fit the grant parameters?

Laupp: We are looking for projects that have a lasting impact on the community. There are a variety of ways to leverage this funding. Some examples include new equipment or storage materials to improve the long-term preservation of and access to collections and bricks-and-mortar and conservation work on significant artifacts and historic

BWHL: What type of organization could apply for these grants?

Laupp: Eligible applicants include tribal governments, 501(c)(3) nonprofit history organizations and local units of government. All applications must include at least one organization devoted to history.

BWHL: Do you have a breakdown of how many grants will be awarded per tier?

Laupp: We have not put caps on any tiers.

BWHL: Is there a place where applicants can get additional information or ideas about what might improve their chances of being awarded a American250MI grant?

Laupp: More information, including the grant booklet and an FAQ can be found at https://www.america250mi.org/grant. The grant booklet outlines the application, eligibility, what is required and how applicants will be evaluated. The FAQ includes specific questions folks may have when applying. For more information about America250MI’s Five Guiding Themes, which projects should connect to at least one of, can be found in the Program Guide at https://www.america250mi.org/guide. If people have other questions, they can email Grants.America250MI@gmail.com.

BWHL: What plans the Michigan History Center has for celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence?

Laupp: Right now, we are focusing our efforts on the grant program and ensuring this money is distributed across the state effectively. We have no specific plans for the center at this time.