By The America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission recently announced the first wave of recipients for its Community Grants Program, awarding 43 grants totaling more than $316,000 to support locally driven commemorative projects across Colorado.
Funded through the Commission’s fundraising and resource development efforts, these grants are designed to activate communities in all 64 counties and support smaller projects that reflect the unique stories, histories, and cultural contributions of Coloradans.
“These investments mark an important step in turning this commemoration into something people can see and experience across Colorado,” said Nick Lopez, President & CEO of the Latin American Educational Foundation and a member of the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission. “From local initiatives to greater cultural efforts, these projects reflect the full story of our state and create meaningful opportunities for people to engage. They represent more than a moment of celebration; they are an investment in how Colorado tells its story, honoring our history while building connections that will last well beyond 2026.”
The 43 funded projects span a wide range of community-led initiatives, from exhibitions and cultural events to educational programming and local storytelling efforts, each contributing to a broader, statewide commemoration. A full list of wave one Community Grant recipients is available at Am250CO150.org.
This announcement marks the first wave of community grants, with a second round of awardees from the February application deadline expected to be announced early this summer.
Aligned Giving Program Expands Statewide Impact
The Commission’s Aligned Giving Program continues to support larger-scale projects in partnership with leading philanthropic organizations across Colorado. This program also served as the foundation for the Community Grants Program, ensuring the commemoration is both locally driven and statewide in scope.
Projects supported through Aligned Giving were shared with and selected by foundation partners through a combination of the Commission’s application process and direct investment through the foundations’ independent grantmaking cycles, reinforcing a collaborative approach to funding.
Among the Aligned Giving projects being supported are:
● Colorado Pioneer Women Education Program, Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame
● Frontera Puente Public Art Project, Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center
● Human Connections: Celebrating Colorado’s History, Rocky Mountain Public Media
● Tapestry of Voices: Traveling Exhibition Celebrating Colorado’s Diverse Heritage, Museo de las Americas
● Colorado Black Arts Festival, Colorado Celebration of African American Arts and Culture
● The Colorado 150 Film Festival, Denver Film Society
● Young AmeriTowne On the Road, Young Americans Center for Financial Education
● Hispano/Latino Contributions to the United States Military, Mile Hi Veterans Services
“Receiving this support allows us to bring an important part of our shared history to life in a way that hasn’t been possible before,” said Ricardo LaFore, Innovations Committee Chair for Mile Hi Veterans. “For Mile Hi Veterans, this project is about honoring the contributions and sacrifices of Hispanic men and women who have served our country—stories that span generations and have too often gone unrecognized. This commemoration creates a meaningful opportunity to ensure those voices are seen, understood, and celebrated as part of Colorado’s and our nation’s story.”
Aligned Giving foundation partners include Gates Family Foundation, Boettcher Foundation, Daniels Fund, El Pomar Foundation, The Anschutz Foundation, and Adolph Coors Foundation.
A full list of Aligned Giving recipients will be announced at the conclusion of the commemorative year.
Projects funded through these programs will complement the Commission’s signature initiatives and contribute to a robust calendar of events, exhibitions, and experiences throughout the commemoration. For more information or to get involved, visit Am250CO150.org.
About the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commemoration
The America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission is leading Colorado’s commemoration of 150 years of statehood and 250 years of American independence in 2026. Established by Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado General Assembly, the Commission brings together leaders from across the state to guide this historic milestone. Through its campaign, “The View From Here,” the Commission invites all Coloradans to reflect on our shared history and imagine the future, recognizing Colorado’s unique legacy as the only state founded on the nation’s 100th birthday in 1876. Working alongside state agencies, regional Advisory Panel members, and local communities, the Commission will showcase signature initiatives, educational programs, exhibits, and community-led events to inspire engagement statewide. For more information and ways to get involved, visit Am250CO150.org.
