Michigan Launches $2 Million Grant Program for Historical Projects

As Michigan prepares to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, the state is rolling out a significant funding opportunity for historical projects. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced the second round of the America250MI History Grant Program, which opens for applications today, as noted by the Michigan History Center.

Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan History Center, highlighted the program’s role in fostering historical exploration: “There’s always more history to explore.” This initiative allows historical groups a chance to secure a portion of the $2 million allocated for projects that investigate and celebrate Michigan’s rich past.

In the first round of funding earlier this year, nearly 100 applicants sought over $2.2 million in grants. Despite the overwhelming interest, the program managed to distribute just over $967,000 to projects spanning more than two dozen counties. The upcoming round aims to fund an even greater diversity of initiatives, including educational programming, capital improvements, exhibits, and more.

Eligible applicants include tribal governments, nonprofits, and local governments, with a requirement for at least one history-focused organization to be involved in each proposal. Larry J. Wagenaar, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan, remarked on the variety of successful projects from the first round, which covered topics ranging from World War II and Michigan shipwrecks to labor history and immigration.

Application Details and Funding Structure

Applications for the second round of the America250MI History Grant Program are due by January 15, 2026, with the award recipients expected to be announced in March 2026. Projects must align with the initiative’s five guiding themes: Unfinished Revolutions, Power of Place, American Experiment, We the People, and Doing History.

The grants are categorized into three tiers. Tier 1 offers funding between $2,500 and $5,000, while Tier 2 ranges from $5,001 to $25,000. The most substantial support, Tier 3, provides between $25,001 and $50,000. Notably, Tier 1 does not require a matching contribution, while Tiers 2 and 3 require a 15% and 30% match, respectively.

As Michigan embarks on this historic celebration, the America250MI History Grant Program stands as a pivotal opportunity for community engagement and the promotion of the state’s historical narrative.