The Maine Semiquincentennial Commission, chaired by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, announced the launch of a new grant program to support communities, organizations, and institutions in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

“The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America is an opportunity for us all to reflect on how the nation came to be and what we hope its future will look like,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who serves as Chair of the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission. “This upcoming year presents a rare and important opportunity to reflect on our collective past and the values of liberty and equality that unite us.” 

Funded by the Maine State Archives and the Maine State Cultural Affairs Council, this one-time grant opportunity will help create meaningful commemorations that honor Maine’s past and inspire its future. The primary purpose of this grant program is to support inclusive, community-centered research, events, programs, projects, or exhibitions offered by museums, heritage areas, history organizations and sites, other nonprofits, and state, county, municipal, and tribal entities. 

“Mainers are great storytellers, and I expect we will see some memorable and poignant projects result from this grant program,” said Sarah Hansen, Director of the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission. “This is an opportunity for groups of all types and from across the state to share Maine’s stories and reflect on Maine’s unique and impactful role in shaping the history of our nation.”

Grants of up to $10,000 are available and do not require any fund matching or cost sharing. The application submission deadline is October 31, 2025. Selected applicants will be notified by December 15, 2025. Further details as well as the grant application can be found in the Semiquincentennial Commission section of the Secretary of State’s website: https://www.maine.gov/sos/america250me/funding. 

For more information on the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission, visit https://www.maine.gov/sos/america250me.