Governor Braun highlights America 250 Celebrations, encourages communities to participate with sSpecial grant program

Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 8:14 AM

By Staff report

Ahead of Independence Day, Indiana Governor Mike Braun met with leaders to discuss plans for commemorating America’s 250th anniversary and encouraged communities across Indiana to take part in local celebrations with support from the Indiana 250 County Grant Program.

“America’s 250th anniversary is a chance for Hoosier communities to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and enduring principles that built our great country. I encourage local communities across Indiana to take advantage of our Indiana 250 County Grant Program to create memorable experiences for Hoosiers during this historic American celebration.” — Governor Mike Braun

Indiana's celebration of America 250 is an exciting opportunity for communities across the state to celebrate our shared history and look ahead to the future. Through the Indiana 250 County Grant Program, counties can apply for reimbursement funding to support local events, educational programs, and community celebrations.

The Indiana Semiquincentennial Commission offers Indiana counties a $1,000 grant (one grant per county) to support the costs associated with America 250 celebrations. Grant applications can be submitted to cover costs retroactively until July 31, 2026. To request a grant for your county, click HERE.

The State of Indiana encourages local leaders and organizations to take advantage of this opportunity and create meaningful experiences that bring Hoosiers together as we commemorate this historic milestone.

The spirit of this celebration is reflected in the journey of nine commemorative lanterns that are traveling through all 92 Indiana counties. Inspired by Paul Revere’s lantern signal of April 18, 1775, the lanterns connect communities to our nation's founding story and will be permanently displayed in the Indiana War Memorial after Independence Day, bearing the names of the counties they visited.