As Michigan gears up to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, the state's historical groups are getting a second shot at a piece of a $2 million pie, aimed at funding projects that delve into Michigan's past. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced that the second round of the America250MI History Grant Program will commence tomorrow, as detailed in the Michigan History Center. Sandra Clark, the director of the Michigan History Center, emphasized the importance of continued historical exploration, "There's always more history to explore," she said.
In the program's initial round earlier this year, nearly 100 applicants sought funds exceeding $2.2 million. Despite the high demand, a total of over $967,000 was distributed to projects across more than two dozen counties. The latest round promises to support an even broader array of projects, including educational programming, capital improvements, exhibits, and more. Eligible applicants are a diverse bunch, comprising tribal governments, nonprofits, and local governments, with the stipulation that at least one history-focused organization be involved in the proposal. "From World War II and Michigan shipwrecks to labor history and immigration, successful projects from Round 1 covered a variety of impactful topics," Larry J. Wagenaar, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan, stated to the Michigan History Center.
Applications are due by Jan. 15, 2026, with winners set to be announced the following March. The prospective beneficiaries may align their projects with the America250MI's 5 Guiding Themes: Unfinished Revolutions, Power of Place, American Experiment, We the People, and Doing History. The grants are offered in three tiers, with tier 1 ranging from $2,500-5,000, tier 2 from $5,001-25,000, and the most substantial, tier 3, offering $25,001-50,000, which comes with no match requirements for tier 1, but requires a 15% and 30% match for tiers 2 and 3, respectively.
