America 250 Community Grant Program

The Dickinson County America 250 Community Grant Program commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States by supporting local efforts to foster civic pride, celebrate shared history, and engage communities across Dickinson County, Iowa. With the nation’s semiquincentennial occurring in 2026, this grant initiative is part of a broader, countywide strategy to inspire meaningful celebration through funding and support for community-led projects. The program is funded directly by Dickinson County and administered in partnership with the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, blending public investment with community-focused administration. The grant program aims to catalyze local celebrations by providing financial support for activities and events that align with the values of patriotism, heritage, and community unity. It encourages a range of project types, from enhancing existing traditions to creating new cultural expressions that promote collaboration across municipalities, towns, and neighborhoods within the county. The overarching goal is to generate enduring community impact, ensuring that the celebration of America 250 is not only festive but also rooted in local relevance and engagement. Two distinct funding tiers are offered through the program. Micro Grants range from $500 to $1,500 and are geared toward small-scale efforts such as decorative installations, event marketing, or single-day celebrations. Community Project Grants, ranging from $1,500 to $3,500, support more ambitious initiatives such as murals, oral history projects, interpretive signage, or multi-day festivals. While matching contributions are not required, applicants seeking larger grants are encouraged to demonstrate local investment through cash, in-kind contributions, or volunteer hours. The application process is open and operates on a rolling basis until the total grant pool of $30,000 is fully allocated. All proposed projects must occur within Dickinson County during the 2026 calendar year. Eligible applicants include municipal governments (cities, towns, and unincorporated communities), nonprofit entities, historical societies, schools, community groups, and service clubs. Projects should reflect America 250 themes and emphasize local collaboration, readiness, and potential for legacy impact. Each submission will be reviewed by a selection team composed of representatives from Dickinson County and its partnering organizations. Grantees will be required to incorporate the official "Dickinson County Celebrates America 250" branding in all project-related materials and promotional outputs. Additionally, funded events and initiatives will be featured on a countywide America 250 calendar to promote visibility, regional tourism, and broad-based community engagement. Branding assets and usage guidelines will be provided upon award to ensure consistency in visual representation. Through this initiative, Dickinson County reaffirms its dedication to honoring the past while investing in the cultural vibrancy of its future. The America 250 Community Grant Program represents an opportunity for local stakeholders to contribute creatively and collaboratively to a historic milestone, leaving lasting imprints on their communities for years to come.