Grants
Grant Opportunities
Explore current and upcoming grant opportunities to support America 250 Oregon programming statewide.
Oregon 250 Grant Program
The America 250 Oregon Commission, in partnership with Oregon Heritage and the Oregon Historical Society, established the Oregon 250 Grant Program to help organizations create inclusive, community-focused projects that highlight Oregon’s diverse histories, traditions, and cultures. In total, the program granted more than $244,000 to 80 organizations statewide across four funding cycles.
Learn more about the projects that have been funded through the Oregon 250 Grant Program below. Grantees can access the grant report form here.
First Round Awardees
Benton County Historical Society, Benton County
Grant funding will support two exhibits for the 250th anniversary: Centuries of Celebration at its Philomath museum site and Strength, Struggle, Survival: Our Community’s Response to 250 Years at its Corvallis museum site.
Cape Blanco Heritage Society, Curry County
Grant funding will support the creation of a scale model of a historic house and ranch that tells a local, regional story that will enhance the visitor experience and support local tourism.
City of Sweet Home, Linn County
Grant funding will support a year of events, enhancements to existing traditions, and public history displays to honor the 250th anniversary while showcasing the community’s rich local history.
Coos County Historical Society, Coos County
Grant funding will support Waves of Tradition, an exhibit that will celebrate the diverse maritime traditions and scenic beauty that shaped Oregon’s South Coast in honor of the 250th anniversary.
Embrace Bend, Deschutes County
Grant funding will support the CivicLab Project, a community-centered initiative designed to spark civic engagement and inclusive dialogue in Central Oregon.
Garibaldi Maritime Museum, Tillamook County
Grant funding will support the Port of Garibaldi: The Story of a Coast Guard City exhibit at the museum, which features the city’s relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard and honors active duty and retired Coast Guard veterans.
McMinnville Downtown Association, Yamhill County
Grant funding will support the creation of placemaking projects to enhance the community, support the city’s economic vitality, and encourage dialogue and connection.
Oregon Firearms Safety Coalition in partnership with Rogue Cell Recon, Clatsop County & Tillamook County
Grant funding will support the Veterans Stories Project, which honors the service and sacrifice of Oregon’s veterans by collecting and sharing their stories through a series of short interviews conducted across the North Coast region of Oregon.
Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, Multnomah County
Grant funding will support digitizing collections that will be featured in an interactive component in Practicing Democracy: Jewish Civic Leadership and Engagement in Oregon, the museum’s forthcoming exhibition to commemorate America 250.
Sandy Historical Society, Clackamas County
Grant funding will support a collection survey and assessment to facilitate a deeper understanding of collection holdings, gaps, and further work that needs to be completed in order to better represent all the diverse members of the community.
Santiam Heritage Foundation, Marion County
Grant funding will support history presentations in several heritage organizations in Marion County during 2026 to highlight local history and the organizations preserving local history.
Warrior Impact, Deschutes County
Grant funding will support the development of a cohort in Central Oregon to support veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders through small-group experiences that foster trust, growth, and lifelong connections.
Woodburn Museum, Marion County
Grant funding will support the Sapper: Sgt. Wayne Woodruff and the Great War exhibit, which shares the history of the combat engineer during World War I who later settled in the Woodburn area.
Second Round Awardees
CETI, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support the creation of a bilingual, augmented-reality storybook and community events that preserve, interpret, and honor the erased history of Portland’s Chinese immigrant community buried at Lone Fir Cemetery’s Block 14.
City of Monmouth, Polk County
Grant funds will support the purchase and installation of a permanent display case that will be placed in Monmouth’s City Hall and used for exhibitions acknowledging the Indigenous peoples of this region that encourage visitors to consider diverse perspectives while reflecting on the past.
Civics Learning Project, Statewide
Grant funds will provide support for We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, a comprehensive curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school students covering the history and principles of constitutional democracy in the United States that culminates with simulated congressional hearings where students testify before a panel of judges acting as members of Congress.
ClearPath Healthcare/Hospice of Redmond, Deschutes County
Grant funds will support programs for local veterans, including the creation of a Wall of Memory, monthly Taps memorial gatherings, pinning ceremonies, and programs bringing veterans in connection with one another.
Crossroads Creative and Performing Arts Center, Baker County
Grant funds will support the production of a film showing diverse Baker County residents sharing the Declaration of Independence in locations across the county, meant to serve as a reminder of the power of the charge to create a more perfect union.
Dayton Community Development Program, Yamhill County
Grant funds will support the digitization of historical Dayton newspapers that are currently held on microfilm. The project will build on a previous digitization project, adding papers from 1929 to 1947 to the University of Oregon Digital Newspaper Program.
Douglas County Historical Society, Douglas County
Grant funds will support “Your Heritage: Douglas County Oregon Through the Ages,” a student essay and art contest increasing youth awareness of county history.
Gresham Historical Society, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support production and marketing of Gresham History Week (June 13–21), a festival commemorating the semiquincentennial as well as GHS’s 50th anniversary.
Hellenic-American Cultural Center and Museum, Statewide
Grant funds will support HACCM staff and volunteers traveling to four locations around Oregon to document, collect, and archive stories of the Greek American experience through oral history interviews, meetings, and community gatherings. These stories will serve as source material for future special exhibitions and other public programs.
High Desert Museum, Deschutes County
Grant funds will support a community conversation series and a public lecture series that will examine the legacies of America 250 through the lens of the American West, bringing together scholars, Indigenous knowledge holders, artists, and the broader public to explore themes such as patriotism, citizenship, voting rights, the American Dream, and the layered cultural narratives that define the High Desert.
Historic Jacksonville, Inc., Jackson County
Grant funds will support the “Museum without Walls” project to convert Jacksonville’s 1881 Old City Hall into the ADA accessible physical base of a citywide museum that shares the history of Jacksonville’s Historic Landmark District through onsite exhibits and introduces guests to the many ways they can explore the town including physical and virtual tours.
Jackson County Expo Center, Jackson County
Grant funds will support the creation of a new exhibition featuring a series of exhibits created by local organizations that will together share the history of the Rogue Valley.
Klamath Falls School District, Klamath County
Grant funds will support exhibitions and programs relating to 250 Years of Exploration: From Pioneers to Space, a community-wide celebration that connects America’s 250th anniversary to the enduring spirit of exploration that has shaped both the nation and the Klamath Basin.
Lane County, Lane County
Grant funds will support the preservation and digitization of historically significant original ledgers, ordinances, and record books of Lane County.
League of Women Voters of Lane County, Lane County
Grant funds will support Democracy at the Grange, a free public civic education event in Cottage Grove offering clear, accessible explanations of how Oregon’s civic systems work, including ballot measures, Oregon’s open primary, resolutions, and how residents can access trusted election information through Vote411.
Milwaukie Historical Society, Clackamas County
Grant funds will support an online exhibit and public event sharing the history of the Milwaukie Pastry Kitchen, the first Black-owned bakery in the state of Oregon.
Oregon ArtsWatch, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support the publication of 20 stories highlighting America 250 Oregon projects, increasing knowledge about events and encouraging engagement.
Oswego Heritage Council, Clackamas County
Grant funds will support the publication of Oswego: People, Places, and Events, a historical publication sharing stories from the past 150 years in the Lake Oswego area through photographs, quotations, newspapers, and a timeline.
Restore Oregon, Statewide
Grant funds will support Restore Oregon’s efforts to gather and share a collection of Oregon’s preservation history, highlighting losses (intentional and natural) and celebrating what has been saved through future exhibits and storytelling.
Southern Oregon Historical Society, Jackson County
Grant funds will support two projects; first, a crowd-sourced photo collection project centered on peoples’ personal sense of America, with a goal of collecting 250 captioned photo submissions from Southern Oregonians; second, SOHS will consult with Grand Ronde basket maker Stephanie Craig on its Native American basketry collection, working on basket identifications, information, and best practices for museum storage.
Tangent Together, Linn County
Grant funds will support the Tangent Harvest Festival and the creation of Oregon Harvest Games within its Kids’ Village, offering children interactive, age-appropriate activities that demonstrate how agricultural tasks were performed historically and how they are carried out today.
Twin Oaks Elementary School, Lane County
Grant funds will provide immersive, place-based learning experiences for students in grades K–5 as well as purchase a collection of books to extend learning beyond these excursions.
Warm Springs Community Action Team, Jefferson County
Grant funds will support the production of A Bridge to the Future, the first-ever film to tell the story of the Warm Springs Reservation and its people into the present. Written, filmed, and edited by and with tribal members, the film uses the metaphor of the Commissary to explore how Warm Springers use the tools of the colonizer to dismantle oppression and build something new and powerful, shaped by tribal hands and invested in a tribal future.
Warren Community Foundation, Columbia County
Grant funds will support facility improvements to the Grange Farm Museum in St. Helens that will significantly enhance the museum’s usability and overall visitor experience.
Willamette Heritage Center, Marion County
Grant funds will support the creation of an immersive exhibit examining what the events of 1776 meant and mean to people living in Mid-Willamette Valley.
Third Round Awardees
Archaeological Society of Central Oregon, Deschutes County
Grant funds will support the Archaeology Roadshow in Central Oregon, connecting communities with archaeologists, tribal representatives, and heritage organizations through interactive exhibits and educational programming.
Central Northeast Neighbors (District 1 Coalition), Multnomah County
Grant funds will support the Portland Archaeology Roadshow, a free “living museum” event in east Portland that highlights diverse histories through hands-on exhibits and participation from tribal and cultural organizations.
City of Salem, Marion County
Grant funds will support the creation of interpretive signage and an Indigenous First Foods Plants Garden at the City of Salem’s Archaeology Lab, developed in collaboration with tribal partners to educate visitors about Indigenous land use and cultural traditions.
Clatskanie Chamber of Commerce, Columbia County
Grant funds will support Heritage Days, a community celebration featuring a Fourth of July parade, logging competition, cultural vendors, and fireworks that honor local traditions and bring residents together.
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, Wasco County
Grant funds will support the Archaeological Roadshow, a free public event bringing together archaeologists, tribal representatives, and community members to explore the deep human history of the Eastern Gorge through shared learning and dialogue.
Dallas Downtown Association, Polk County
Grant funds will support the “Stars, Stripes and Birthday Lights” community parade, expanding participation and cultural representation through diverse performers, music, and activities that celebrate both patriotism and the richness of local cultures.
Elgin Museum and Historical Society, Union County
Grant funds will support the development of an interactive exhibit exploring the history of the Elgin Bank and its role in the community, alongside broader themes in U.S. banking history and hands-on learning activities.
Goose Hollow Foothills League, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support Goose Hollow Days, including a centennial celebration of the Vista Bridge featuring community events, historical exhibits, and cultural programming recognizing the area’s diverse histories.
Oregon Coast Trail Foundation, Statewide
Grant funds will support research and development of interpretive materials highlighting Indigenous histories along the Oregon Coast Trail, created in collaboration with tribal partners to educate visitors about the region’s cultural significance.
Oaks Park Association, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support the Oaks Park Fourth of July Spectacular, a large-scale community celebration featuring family-friendly activities and a riverfront fireworks display accessible to the broader public.
Oregon Children’s Theatre, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support the development of The Mountain & The Raven, a new intergenerational musical co-created with Native artists and youth, featuring community workshops and public presentations that center Indigenous stories and lived experiences.
Marshfield High School, Coos County
Grant funds will support the creation of durable commemorative markers honoring local students who died in military service, enhancing a long-standing Memorial Day tradition that engages both students and the wider community.
Portland Japanese Garden, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support the 50th anniversary celebration of the Garden’s annual bon-odori festival, featuring traditional dance, music, and cultural programming that honors Japanese heritage and community traditions.
Portland Panorama, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support Portland Panorama, an international film and arts festival showcasing global and regional voices through screenings, performances, and immersive experiences that highlight creativity and cultural exchange.
Southern Oregon University Laboratory of Anthropology, Baker, Grant, and Jackson Counties
Grant funds will support a series of free public programs and pop-up exhibits during SOULA’s summer field school, sharing archaeological research with rural communities through events, performances, and accessible interpretive materials.
St. Paul Mission Historical Society, Marion County
Grant funds will support public tours of the historic Matthew O’Connor Murphy House, sharing objects and stories that illuminate early settlement, community life, and the region’s resilience through historical events.
Trajectory, Clackamas County
Grant funds will support a summer civics and local history camp in Sandy, offering youth hands-on learning experiences through walking field trips, creative projects, and engagement with community institutions.
Travel Salem, Marion and Polk Counties
Grant funds will support the creation of a large-scale outdoor mural at the Salem Area Visitors Center highlighting the region’s Indigenous heritage and broader historical narratives, encouraging exploration of local cultural sites and experiences.
Tualatin Historical Society, Washington County
Grant funds will support a cultural presentation and weaving demonstration by a Grand Ronde tribal member, sharing traditional ecological knowledge and the cultural significance of regional basketry with the community.
Umatilla County Historical Society, Umatilla County
Grant funds will support a community storytelling initiative culminating in a time capsule to be opened in 2076, preserving personal histories and perspectives from across the county for future generations.
Fourth Round Awardees
Camp Polk Pioneer Cemetery Preservation Committee, Deschutes County
Grant funds will support the preservation and recognition of veterans’ graves at Camp Polk Cemetery through restoration work and interpretive signage.
City of Amity, Yamhill County
Grant funds will support the recording and preservation of oral histories in Amity, capturing contemporary community voices for public archives and educational use.
City of Chiloquin, Klamath County
Grant funds will support a Fourth of July parade and community celebration in Chiloquin that honors local history while bringing residents together for a shared civic event.
City of Independence, Polk County
Grant funds will support a collaborative community quilt project in Independence and Monmouth that shares local stories and culminates in a public art installation and companion exhibit.
Coos Art Museum, Coos County
Grant funds will support a juried portrait exhibition featuring Oregon artists that explores identity, community, and shared futures through public programming and interpretation.
Dallas Area Visitors Center, Polk County
Grant funds will support Bigfootstock, a family-friendly cultural festival in Dallas that uses local folklore to celebrate regional history, identity, and community connections.
Frazier Farmstead Museum, Umatilla County
Grant funds will support the restoration of the historic McCoy Cabin, which was built in 1856 and is the oldest structure still standing in Umatilla County, through a hands-on community workshop teaching traditional preservation techniques.
Klamath County Chamber of Commerce, Klamath County
Grant funds will support the production and promotion of “Voices of Service,” an eight-episode podcast series highlighting the stories and experiences of veterans in Southern Oregon.
MidCoast Watersheds Council, Lincoln County
Grant funds will support three public estuary-focused events on the Oregon Coast that combine environmental education, local history, and artist-led creative activities.
No Pamphlet for That, Washington County
Grant funds will support inclusive, hands-on workshops that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to share their perspectives through creative expression.
North Lincoln County Historical Museum, Lincoln County
Grant funds will support the creation and traveling display of exhibit panels exploring the evolving relationship between people and the Oregon Coast.
The Open Arts Center, Deschutes County
Grant funds will support a youth-led poetry and aerial performance project in Central Oregon that celebrates place, identity, and diverse voices through a public outdoor showcase.
Oregon Agricultural Trust, Marion County
Grant funds will support the production and outreach of a short film series examining Oregon’s landmark land use program and its impact on communities and landscapes.
Oregon Art Center, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support a centennial exhibition at Oregon Art Center showcasing contemporary artists alongside archival materials to highlight the organization’s 100-year legacy.
Portland Art Museum, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support a film screening and panel discussion in Portland exploring Oregon landscapes and storytelling through the lens of the film Wild.
Portland Rose Festival Foundation, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support the Grand Floral Starlight Parade, a combined Rose Festival event bringing diverse cultural groups and performers together for a large-scale public celebration in downtown Portland that will include tributes to America’s 250th birthday.
Scalehouse Collaborative for the Arts, Deschutes County
Grant funds will support two public lectures in Central Oregon exploring how art reflects and shapes cultural narratives and public understanding of history.
Scappoose Public Library District, Columbia County
Grant funds will support a free summer outdoor movie series in Scappoose that brings families together through film, entertainment, and community engagement.
Siren Nation, Multnomah County
Grant funds will support artist stipends for the annual Billie Holiday Tribute, expanding performance opportunities for women artists and honoring the legacy of American jazz.
Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District, Washington County
Grant funds will support a free Fourth of July community celebration at Beaverton Veterans Memorial Park featuring the newly completed Revolutionary War Memorial that honors veterans and fosters civic reflection through music, programming, and public gathering.
Westside Singers, Washington County
Grant funds will support live choral performances for seniors and the broader community, increasing access to American music across generations.
National Endowment for the Arts — Grants for Arts Projects
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects program supports public-facing arts and cultural activities that strengthen communities, expand engagement with the arts, and celebrate creative expression as part of the nation’s semiquincentennial.
Projects may include performances, exhibits, festivals, arts education, design, literature, and other arts-based programming. Awards generally range from $10,000 to $100,000, and applications are accepted for two FY 2027 deadlines: February 12, 2026, and July 9, 2026.
Visit the NEA website for details on eligibility and how to apply.