State of Montana Newsroom
Montana 250th Commission Announces Grants and Sponsorships to Commemorate America's 250th Anniversary
Helena, MT – The Montana 250th Commission is proud to announce the launch of its grant program to support statewide commemorative projects ahead of America's 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. The Montana 250 Grant Program will award up to $400,000 to organizations across the state working to deepen understanding of Montana’s culture and heritage, as well as projects related to civic involvement and broader public engagement with American, Montanan, and Tribal history in connection with the nation's semiquincentennial.
"We’re excited to help our partners across the state commemorate America's milestone birthday next year in meaningful and memorable ways,” said Commission Chairman, Chris Averill. “Thanks to funding provided by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Gianforte, the Commission is seeking bold, thoughtful, and community-minded ideas to ensure all Montanans are included in the festivities. We look forward to working with organizations across the state to make America's 250th anniversary memorable."
The grant program is open to a broad range of applicants, including towns, cities, counties, Indigenous nations, schools, museums, libraries, non-profit organizations, historic sites, heritage and veterans' organizations, state agencies and other community groups. No cost match is required for successful applicants, and all awarded projects must be completed and available to the public by December 31, 2026.
Projects should align with at least one of three key themes that guide the commission's work: "Doing History", "Our Ongoing American Experiment", or "The Power of Place". Applications will be accepted until October 30, 2025, with complete information and application materials available at www.america250mt.org.
In addition to the grant program, the Montana 250th Commission will offer up to $100,000 in event sponsorships to support community celebrations recognizing the semiquincentennial. Individual sponsorships ranging from $500 to $5,000 will be available to organizations planning events between March and December 2026. These sponsorships aim to foster public participation in celebrating America's 250th anniversary, highlight the achievements and significance of Montanans throughout history, recognize the vibrant Indigenous cultures present in 1776, and honor veterans who have secured and preserved American independence. The program also seeks to increase civic engagement through activities that promote participation in the U.S. civics test and recognize schools for outstanding achievement in civics, history, government, and Indian Education for All.
Event sponsorship applications will be available in January 2026 on a first-come, first-served basis for qualifying events, with details to be posted at www.america250mt.org.
The Montana 250th Commission was established by the 2023 Montana Legislature through House Bill 377 to coordinate statewide efforts commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial. The commission works in partnership with the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, which Congress established in 2016 to orchestrate nationwide activities recognizing the 250th anniversary of American independence. The commission's mission focuses on promoting civic engagement and increasing public awareness of United States and Montana government and history, including the rich history of Tribal nations. Through grants, sponsorships, and collaborative partnerships, the commission ensures that Montana's semiquincentennial commemoration honors the full spectrum of experiences that have shaped both our state and nation.
For more information about the Montana 250 Grant Program or to apply, visit www.america250mt.org or contact the Montana 250 Coordinator at ashly.tubbs@mt.gov.