The National Endowment for Humanities (NEH) has released a call for proposals for the Chairman’s Grants in Honor of America’s 250th Anniversary: Celebrate America! These grants aim to fund projects that highlight key moments in United States history, including “the founding of the American nation, key historical figures, and milestones that reflect the exceptional achievements of the United States.”

NEH seeks projects that engage students or the public, including but not limited to:

• “Speakers, screenings, discussion series
• Community events and family programs
•  Exhibits (permanent or temporary) including interpretation
• Meetings, conferences, and symposia
• Professional development and training
• Digital projects resulting in virtual exhibitions, web content, or virtual tours
• Educational materials and curriculum development for K-12 and higher education purposes
• Research leading to documentary films, exhibits, books, or other products that reach the general public.”

NEH may ask awardees to participate in a virtual NEH event on the semiquincentennial, July 4, 2026.

Total Funding and Award Size: NEH will award at least 250 proposals grants for up to $25,000. Proposed projects may have a performance period of up to 12 months and begin as early as August 1, 2025. Cost sharing is required for every proposal. Organizations must certify they have one-to-one nonfederal matching funds for the requested amount.

Eligibility: Institutions of higher education, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and federally recognized Native American Tribal Governments are eligible for Celebrate America! grants.

Due Dates: The application for Celebrate America! opened on April 14, 2025, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. NEH anticipates awards will be made approximately 90 days after receipt of an application.

Sources and Additional Information:

• More information on the Chairman’s Grants in Honor of America’s 250th Anniversary can be found at https://www.neh.gov/program/celebrate-america.
• The application for the Chairman’s Grants are available on grants.gov under opportunity number “20271231-AH-GA-HC-PB-RJ”
• Questions about the program can be directed to mailto:CelebrateAmerica@neh.gov.

Source: Lewis-Burke Associates: Apr, 2025