America 250-Ohio Grants
Ohio Humanities is proud to partner with the Ohio Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (AM250-OH) to launch a new round of grants in Fall 2024 specifically for locally designated America 250-Ohio Communities. These grants will assist with activities being planned at the county, city, village and township levels.
Please note this grant cycle is different from the two previous America 250-Ohio grant opportunities. Applying organizations must be designated as an America 250-Ohio Community prior to December 31, 2024, and activities must be supplemental to existing Storytelling and Education programs that America 250-Ohio is producing statewide.
Eligibility:
- Awardees must be a registered AM250-OH Community by December 31, 2024.
- Projects should align to one or both of two specific categories: Storytelling and Education (what America 250-Ohio calls Next Generation Citizens).
- Greater consideration will be given to smaller communities and counties that did not receive funding in either of the first two America 250-Ohio grant cycles.
- Period of Performance: April 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026.
- Only one grant will be awarded per community. If there are multiple organizations within a community that would like to apply for a grant, we encourage developing a single collaborative application.
- Applications must include a letter from the local government entity in support of the project (village, township, city, or county).
- Applicants may be local government entities or a nonprofit organization in good standing.
Grants:
Grant program information
- Grants in the amount of $5,000 will be awarded to up to 55 communities.
- A total of $250,000 – $275,000 is expected to be awarded.
- Matching funds are not required.
Timeline
- Application Open: October 15, 2024
- Grants Webinar: October 28, 2024 at noon (will be recorded)
- Application Close: January 31, 2025
- Grant Award Announcements: March 31, 2025
- Period of Performance: April 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026
- Final Report Due from Grant Recipients: September 30, 2026
Storytelling and Education Initiatives:
Storytelling Activations:
Heritage Trees
The Heritage Trees activation encourages communities to plant trees that symbolize local history and culture. Each tree becomes a living monument, with plaques or QR codes providing stories about significant events, people, or traditions associated with that location. This initiative fosters environmental stewardship while deepening connections to local heritage, ensuring that these stories live on for future generations.
Honoring Veterans
This activation pays tribute to all veterans by collecting and sharing their stories, organizing events, and creating memorials that highlight their contributions. Communities can host ceremonies, establish markers, and involve local schools in learning about and preserving the legacy of those who served. The goal is to ensure that the sacrifices and heroism of veterans are never forgotten.
Honoring Revolutionary War Veterans
Focused on Revolutionary War veterans, this activation involves researching and sharing the stories of those who fought for America’s independence. It encourages communities to identify and commemorate gravesites, host re-enactments, and create educational programs that teach the historical significance of these individuals. This ensures these patriots’ pivotal roles in shaping the nation are remembered.
Telling Local History Stories
This activation seeks to uncover and celebrate lesser-known or under-told stories from local history. Communities are encouraged to document and share these narratives through various mediums, including exhibits, digital archives, or storytelling events. By spotlighting diverse and overlooked aspects of local heritage, this initiative enriches the broader understanding of community identity.
12 Monthly Themes for 2026
The 12 Monthly Themes activation offers a structured way to engage communities in storytelling throughout the year with the designated America 250-Ohio Themes. Each month focuses on a different theme related to local or national history, encouraging events, educational programs, and public displays. This consistent, thematic approach helps keep history alive and relevant, fostering continuous community engagement. For more information about each of the themes, please visit the America 250-Ohio website.
Education (Next Generation Citizens) Activations:
Judicial/Judiciary Process Exploration
The Judicial/Judiciary Process Exploration activation encourages communities to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the justice system and landmark court cases related to Ohio. Through interactive experiences like mock trials, courthouse tours, and discussions with legal professionals, students learn about the judicial process and its significance in a democratic society. This initiative aims to develop informed citizens who understand and appreciate the rule of law.
iCivics Ohio Programming
iCivics Ohio activation encourages communities to integrate digital civic education tools into classrooms, helping students learn about government, citizenship, and democracy in an engaging way. Through interactive games, lesson plans, and activities, students explore the workings of the government and their role as citizens. This initiative empowers the next generation to actively participate in civic life with a strong foundation in civics.
Service-Learning
The Service-Learning activation encourages communities to connect academic learning with community service, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. By participating in projects that address community needs, students develop leadership, critical thinking, and civic responsibility. This initiative bridges the gap between education and community engagement, fostering a sense of citizenship and social responsibility among students.
History Pass
The History Pass activation encourages communities to provide students of any grade with opportunities to explore historical sites and museums, enhancing their understanding of history through experiential learning. Open to students of all grades, this activation offers things like free or discounted access to historical locations and virtual field trips.
Founding Documents
The Founding Documents activation encourages communities to focus on educating students about the key texts that shaped American democracy, including the Northwest Ordinance, Declaration of Independence, and U.S. Constitution. Through activities such as interactive lessons, debates, and primary source analysis, students gain a deep understanding of the principles and values that underpin the nation. This initiative promotes civic literacy and an appreciation for the foundational ideas of American government.
Questions?
Have questions about grants program details or applications? Contact a Program Officer.
Have questions about the America 250-Ohio Storytelling and Education initiatives, America 250-Ohio Community designations, or related questions about the America 250-Ohio Commission? Contact AM250-Ohio staff.