Protect, discover, share Michigan history: $2M in grants available

$2 millions available for local projects commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

The first round of applications for the America250MI History Grant Program, awarding $2 million to history organizations and their partners across the state between 2025 and 2026, opens Saturday, March 1. It's an opportunity to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America and the American Revolution's role in Michigan's history; examine the impact of these and other historic events on the people of Michigan's past, present and future; and strengthen efforts to protect, interpret and share this vital history. 

The grant funds, appropriated to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by the state Legislature, represent a key element of the state's commemoration of the USA's 250th anniversary. 

In 2020, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointment the Historical Society of Michigan and the Michigan History Center to lead Michigan's commemoration of this semiquincentennial. The two organizations oversee the statewide program, America250MI, part of the national America250 program. America250MI shares and supports efforts to honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence through programming, education and statewide outreach with support from a committee of historians, educators and community leaders. 

"America250MI grants create a lot of possibilities for safeguarding and elevating Michigan history and making that history more tangible, understandable and impactful to all Michiganders," said Larry J. Wagenaar, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan.

America250MI grant program details

Composed of two rounds, with $1 million available per round, the grant program will help fund projects of all sizes that interpret, preserve or explore Michigan's history. Applicants can seek funding for a variety of projects, including but not limited to educational programming, capital improvements, exhibits, collections management and interpretive signs. 

Projects may focus on any historical subject that has helped shape the Michigan of today. 

"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," Wagenaar said.

Eligible applicants include tribal governments, 501(c)(3) nonprofit history organizations and local units of government. All applications must include at least one organization devoted to history. 

"This is an incredible opportunity to invest in local history," said 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." 

Guiding Themes

The grant program will prioritize impactful projects that encourage community collaboration and align with the America250MI Five Guiding Themes:

• Unfinished Revolutions. From the American Revolution through the Underground Railroad, Michigan has a history of people fighting for freedom, recognition and basic human rights. What revolutions continue to this day?
• Power of Place. It is human nature to identify ourselves by place, whether that is geographic, geologic and physical environment or the political, economic, historic, cultural and emotional connections to it. How does "place" define us?
• We the People. Michigan is home to more than 10 million unique people of different races, cultures, languages, ethnicities, religions and points of view. What does "being American" mean today, and how do new generations discover belonging? 
• American Experiment. Democracy is challenging. Through the lens of history, we can see successes, mistakes and opportunities. How can we build on these to shed even more light on our government, democratic institutions and civic life?
• Doing History. As those who love, teach, preserve and make history, we must work together with our communities to interact with Michigan's past. How can we best engage people in conversations about what history is and why it matters?

Learn more about the Five Guiding Themes in the America250MI's Program Guide. 

Application info, timeline 

The first round opens March 1 and will accept grant applications until April 15. Rounds 2 opens Nov. 1 and closes Jan. 15, 2026.

Applicants must submit a detailed project description, timeline, communications plan and budget. The America250MI committee will evaluate all applications. 

Award amounts are available in three tiers:

• Tier 1: $2,500-5,000
• Tier 2: $5,001-25,000
• Tier 3: $25,001-50,000

Tier 1 projects have no match requirements. Applicants who are awarded an amount within Tier 2 will be required to match 15% of the grants. Tier 3 projects require a 30% match. 

All grant details, including requirements, eligibility and scoring, are outlined in the grant booklet, which all prospective applicants should review before beginning the application process. Additional information about the grants the statewide commemoration is available on America250MI's website. Questions about the program? Email Grants.America250MI@gmail.com. 

"These funds demonstrate a dedication not only to Michigan's past, but also to its future," said Clark. "Awarded projects will help preserve and share Michigan stories that can guide us over the next 250 years."

America250MI is Michigan's statewide committee tasked with commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, the American Revolution's role in Michigan's history and the impact that these, and various historical events, have had on the people of Michigan's past, present and future.

Established in 1828, the Historical Society of Michigan is Michigan's oldest cultural organization and helps connect Michigan's past to its residents and organizations through programs and events, publications, awards, workshops, networking opportunities and support for local history organizations. The society is a member-supported educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and receives zero state-appropriated funding. 

The Michigan History Center fosters curiosity, enjoyment and inspiration rooted in Michigan's stories through museums, historic sites, Michigan Historical Markers, heritage trails, archaeology and programming. The center, a part of the Department of Natural Resources, manages 11 museums statewide, museum and archaeology artifact collections and various educational programs.