What’s happening: Michigan history organizations have a chance to play a role in the state’s commemoration of the United States and its 250th anniversary in 2026. The application window for the America250MI History Grant Program opened on Saturday, March 1, and close Tuesday, April 14. A second round of applications will open in November.
What it is: The America250MI History Grant Program will award $2 million to those projects that interpret, preserve, and share Michigan’s history. It comes as part of the statewide America250MI program, which operates as part of the national America250 program, and is led by the Historical Society of Michigan and the Michigan History Center.
Why it’s important: "This is an incredible opportunity to invest in local history," says Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan History Center. "We hope that communities and their governments take this opportunity to collaborate with and get to know their local and regional historical organizations and discover new ways to embrace their stories."
How it works: The grants are available to tribal governments, 501(c)(3) nonprofit history organizations, and local units of government, with the caveat that all applications must include one history organization as its partner. Grants are available in three tiers: $2,500 to 5,000; $5,001 to $25,000; and $25,001 to $50,000, with the latter two tiers requiring 15 percent and 30 percent match requirements, respectively.
While any historical subject may be submitted as it relates to Michigan, there are five “guiding themes” that will be prioritized. Those include Unfinished Revolutions, Power of Place, We the People, American Experiment, and Doing History.
Visit America250MI online to learn more about program guidelines.
What they’re saying: "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," says Larry J. Wagenaar, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan.
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