BISMARCK– Communities across North Dakota have the opportunity to host once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.

As of Aug.1, the ND250 Commission is offering Community Initiative Grants of up to $10,000 to support events and projects commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Grants are available to non-profit organizations, as well as city, county, or tribal governments, for projects related to the celebration of the past 250 years of North Dakota’s people, places, innovations and achievements contributing to the nation’s story during America’s 250th anniversary. Applications will be reviewed quarterly starting Oct. 1.

“This is an exciting opportunity to come together and explore what it means to be both an American and a North Dakotan,” said Melissa Klocke-Joyce, North Dakota250 Coordinator. “We encourage communities to ask: What were our ancestors doing 250 years ago? And what does it mean to us today?”

Eligible projects may include:

– Implementing tours.

– Hosting exhibits or public programs.

– Creating educational materials.

– Organizing travel to Bismarck to visit the ND250 exhibit at the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum (opening June 2026).

For information about grant guidelines and to apply contact ND250 Coordinator Melissa Klocke-Joyce at 328-6073 or melissaklocke@nd.gov, or Amy Munson at 328-3573 or amunson@nd.gov.

As set forth in North Dakota Century Code, the North Dakota250 Commission was created within the State Historical Society of North Dakota to promote North Dakota observances and activities commemorating the nation’s 250th birthday.