Idahoans gather around a statue of President Abraham Lincoln in this undated photo. (Courtesy of the Idaho State Historical Society)
New grant opportunities are available to Idaho organizations as a part of the America250 initiative to celebrate the founding of the United States in 2026.
The Idaho State Historical Society and the America250 in Idaho State Agency Task Force are coordinating the effort to provide the grants, which will range from $5,000 to $25,000 with a 10% match. The funding can be used for capital, accessibility, sustainability, preservation and educational projects, according to a press release.
Idaho officials join America250 initiative to celebrate the founding of the United States
Information regarding eligible projects, criteria and timelines is available at Idaho’s America250 website under the legacy projects tab. Nonprofits, as well as tribal and local governments, are encouraged to apply online for the grants.
Idahoans are also encouraged to share their stories through an new oral history initiative for the festivities. Through an application process, the initiative will provide Idahoans access to TheirStory, Inc, an oral history software subscription.
“Through this partnership with the Idaho State Historical Society, eligible entities can better manage oral history projects, decreasing the cost and time involved in capturing oral history interviews,” the press release said. “The Oral History Initiative is open to Idaho nonprofits, tribal, federal, state, and local government, universities and K-12 schools, and for-profit businesses.”
Residents can go online to learn more about the oral history project and apply for access to the software.
The deadline to apply for both opportunities is Sept. 30.
On July 3, Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a proclamation establishing a task force across state agencies to plan and promote statewide activities as part of the national commemoration in 2026. The task force will work with the America250 in Idaho Advisory Council, created through the 2024 Idaho Legislature’s passage of House Concurrent Resolution 31, which includes $1.65 million in funding for the project.
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