The America250 grant opportunity, administered by the Duke Energy Foundation, is designed to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. This one-time funding initiative seeks to support community-based nonprofit projects that embody the spirit of reflection, honor, and legacy associated with this milestone. By funding efforts that align with themes of civic pride, historical education, environmental stewardship, and veteran support, the Foundation aims to promote meaningful engagement at the local level across the states it serves.
Eligible organizations must be qualified 501(c)(3) public charities that operate in areas served by Duke Energy. The grant program explicitly excludes government entities, individuals, for-profit businesses, private foundations, and organizations focused on political or sectarian activities. Only one application per organization is permitted. Funded projects must also comply with the Foundation’s non-discrimination policy and demonstrate a clear method for tracking outcomes and community impact.
Grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 will be awarded to initiatives that fall under one of three programmatic pillars: Care for our Country, which includes public clean-ups and park improvements; Careers for Veterans, which supports workforce transition programs for former service members; and Sharing the American Story, which covers local history exhibits, field trips, and educational programming. Applicants must show how their proposals reflect the themes of America250 while emphasizing local relevance and measurable community benefits.
The application window for this grant runs from January 12 to February 20, 2026. Submissions must include a clearly labeled title beginning with “America250:” followed by a brief project description. Incorrect labeling may result in disqualification. Once applications close, proposals will be reviewed between February 21 and March 27, 2026, and final grant announcements are scheduled for the week of April 6, 2026.
Applications should be submitted through the designated online portal. Inquiries can be directed to the Foundation via email at [email protected]. Successful applicants are expected to adhere to the outlined restrictions, including prohibitions on funding for electricity-generating equipment, energy efficiency upgrades, operating expenses, or capital improvements. Grants are intended to fund direct project activities that are aligned with the commemorative themes and can demonstrate lasting value.
This opportunity does not recur annually and is uniquely tied to the 2026 national celebration. As such, applicants are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility criteria and ensure that their proposed initiatives not only comply with the funder’s guidelines but also offer a strong alignment with the overarching vision of honoring America's past and inspiring its future.
