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Funding Opportunities
Community Grants Program
The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission’s Community Grants Program is an initiative designed to support localized, high-impact projects as Colorado commemorates its 150th anniversary of statehood alongside the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The Community Grants Program expands on the Commission’s Aligned Giving Program, focusing on smaller, community-based projects that can be activated quickly and reflect the unique stories, histories, and creativity of communities across Colorado.
Aligned Giving Program
The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission has partnered with Anschutz Foundation, Daniels Fund, El Pomar Foundation, Boettcher Foundation, Gates Family Foundation, and the Adolph Coors Foundation who have collectively committed over $5 million to support projects celebrating the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commemoration. This $5 million includes both proposals submitted through this process and other related projects under consideration by foundations in their regular grant making.
The Commission will serve as a clearing house for organizations throughout Colorado to apply for grant funding for commemorative programs and projects. The Commission will review all proposals to determine alignment with the Commission’s objectives and forward all proposals to partner foundations. Foundations will consider the Commission’s feedback but will ultimately make their own funding decisions.
The Commission will review submitted forms until February 15, 2026 and will share them with participating foundations, which independently determine whether a project aligns with their priorities. If so, they will request a conversation, and the Commission will facilitate introductions.
Thank you for your interest in the Aligned Giving and Community Grants Programs. Submissions are now closed.
Submission Process and Timeline
Access the Logo
Let everyone know you're a part of the Sesquisemiquincentennial! We are thrilled to share our logo with individuals and organizations across Colorado and are excited to see all the ways it's featured in commemorative events and projects.
Please fill out the form below to tell us how your organization is engaging with the 2026 commemorations, and make sure to feature your event on our statewide calendar.
National Grant Opportunities
The following are external grant programs focused on preservation, educational, and semiquincentennial projects. This is not an exhaustive list of external grants, and we will continue to update this list as we become aware of other opportunities.
The National Parks Service Semiquincentennial Grants
National Endowment for the Humanities Grants
Institute of Museum and Library Services Grants
Connect locally
Community members, organizations, and local stakeholders are coming together in regions across Colorado to form Local Organizing Committees. Together, they are planning exciting programs and events for the 2026 commemoration. Check out our community toolkit for all the information you need to get started, and be sure to share the details of your Local Organizing Committee so we can provide updates, connect you with your regional Advisory Panel member, and share updates about our statewide signature initiatives!
for Organizations and Local Governments
Share these sample proclamations with your local city government and community organizations. The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission has provided these proclamations to encourage Coloradans to declare their intent to participate with the 2026 commemorations.
If your city or organization adopts a commemorative proclamation, please inform America 250 - Colorado 150 staff at katie.roach@state.co.us. We will follow up with you to identify how the Commission can support your community’s efforts.