In celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America in 2026, the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency (WCTPA), a partner of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, is announcing the launch of The American Spirit Grant Program opening for applications on May 12.
The grant initiative is designed to encourage all of Washington County’s municipalities to develop lasting projects that enhance local tourism, commemorate the nation’s rich history, and foster community engagement ahead of the country’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.
Washington County’s cities, boroughs, and townships will be eligible to apply for a grant up to $25,000 for a tourism-related project in their community to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Projects must include a minimum 25% match, which may be fulfilled through cash or in-kind contributions such as volunteer hours, donated services, or materials.
In the coming weeks, the WCTPA will be contacting each eligible municipality to ensure they are aware of the program and provide grant guidelines as well as other material. A formal municipal resolution approving the project will be required for each grant submission.
“Washington County played a vital role in the early days of our nation, and this grant program offers an exciting opportunity for each of our communities to celebrate our collective history while investing in our bright future,” said Jeff Kotula, President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency. “With each of our municipalities eligible for this grant, we are committing resources for our communities to invest in projects important to them and to commemorate our history in meaningful and lasting ways. As the WCTPA and The Chamber value our partnerships with our county’s local municipalities and the great work of our local municipal officials, we would welcome projects such as restorations of local historic sites, commemorative murals, or new community assets for visitors to enjoy and residents to pride in.”
Some examples of potential eligible projects include (but are not limited to):
• Restoration or improvement of historic sites and memorials
• Public art installations or community murals commemorating America 250
• Public structures such as pavilions or gazebos
• Enhancements to public parks or local tourism attractions
• Local municipal welcome signage recognizing America 250
• Out-of-area marketing costs for new events honoring America 250
Expenses such as general maintenance and operational costs are not eligible. Applicants are encouraged to review full guidelines and consult with the WCTPA to ensure project eligibility. Artwork or signage is subject to approval by the WCTPA.
When learning of the grant, Evan Midler, Vice Chairman of the Cross Creek Township Board of Supervisors, stated, “We have been working together in our community to plan for this important milestone in our county’s history and The American Spirit Grant will certainly provide us with resources to commemorate this occasion. This is a smart, practical way to honor our nation’s founding. It gives every municipality the chance to leave a lasting mark — without hiring a grant writer or breaking the budget. Good policy supports good local government, and this is exactly that. We appreciate the tourism agency’s proactive engagement with our municipalities as well as their willingness to invest in each community in Washington County.”
Harlan Shober Jr., Chairman of the Chartiers Township Board of Supervisors, also added, “Next year is going to be an exciting time for our country and county as we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States. As we in Chartiers Township begin our preparations for 2026, we want to create a lasting project that will commemorate the event as well as focus our attention on the future. The tourism agency’s $25,000 grant will certainly provide us with the resources to create a project to honor the occasion and that we can all be proud of in the township.”
The American Spirit Grant application process will open on May 12 and projects must be completed by July 1, 2026, to celebrate the Semiquincentennial and be eligible for reimbursement. The WCTPA is developing an online application portal for submission of applications and supporting materials.
For questions, guidance, or to discuss a potential project, please contact Dana Bucci (724-225-3010, dana@washcochamber.com) or Will Thomeier (724-225-3010, will@washcochamber.com).
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About the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency
The Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency is a 501(c)(6) private nonprofit corporation that engages in the planning and promotion of programs designed to stimulate and increase the volume of leisure and business travel into Washington County and to assist the promotional efforts of local entities that may bring visitors to Washington County.
The Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency is a partner of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at VisitWashingtonCountyPA.com.