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Courtesy of America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission
Courtesy of America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission
America 250 Colorado 150 launches community grants program
ColoradoBiz Staff //January 21, 2026//
DENVER — The America 250 Colorado 150 Commission announced the launch of its Community Grants Program, a new initiative intended to support local projects as Colorado prepares to mark its 150th anniversary of statehood alongside the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
In Brief:
- The America 250 Colorado 150 Commission launched a new Community Grants Program.
- The program supports smaller, community-based commemorative projects.
- Forty-six projects received $345,000 in the first funding round.
- A second grant round offers an additional $200,000 statewide.
The program is designed to fund smaller, community-based projects that can be implemented quickly and highlight local history, culture and storytelling across the state.
The Community Grants Program builds on the commission’s existing Aligned Giving Program, which focuses on larger legacy and capital projects. The new program emphasizes localized initiatives to increase participation and engagement during the statewide commemoration.
During its first round of grantmaking, the commission identified 46 projects submitted between May and November 2025 to receive funding. The initial awards total $345,000 and support projects scheduled for activation by summer 2026.
Individual grants provide up to $7,500 per project. Funding is supported through the commission’s fundraising efforts and philanthropic partners. Grant recipients are selected based on alignment with the commission’s goals and themes, rather than on a first-come, first-served basis.
The commission also announced a second round of community grants with an additional $200,000 available for new projects. Applications are due Feb. 15, 2026, and applicants will be notified by March 30. All interest forms submitted after November 2025 will be considered.
Projects funded through both grant cycles are intended to complement the commission’s thirteen signature initiatives planned throughout 2026.
Additional information about the Community Grants Program and other initiatives is available on the commission’s website.
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