Grants for organizations from $5,000 to $10,000. Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
This program will award grants to non-profit organizations with an annual operating budget of $50,000 or more for community-based projects that honor the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. Project activities may focus exclusively on celebrating the semiquincentennial, or they may incorporate a special America 250-related component within a larger project. For example, projects could examine the work of American artists, present or create art recognizing this important milestone, or undertake educational or related programming.
All proposed projects must have a strong arts-based component and must meaningfully involve artists or culture bearers in the conception, planning, or execution of the project.
The America 250 Alaska grant program is a program of the Alaska State Council on the Arts, with funding support from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the State of Alaska.
ASCA will invest in projects that align with the goals of the national America 250 initiative and ASCA’s strategic vision to strengthen communities through arts and culture.
Eligible applicants are Alaska-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, units of state, local, or tribal governments, public school districts, and non-profit private schools.
Organizations with an annual operating budget of $50,000 or more.
Direct grants to individuals are not permitted under this program.
Organizational applicants must be able to provide proof of state of Alaska and federally tax-exempt/non-profit status, in good standing (example: a copy of an IRS letter confirming tax-exempt status). Applicant certifies that they are eligible to receive payments from the Alaska State Council on the Arts, should they be awarded a grant.
Applications Open: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Application Deadline: Monday, December 1, 2025, 4:30pm AKT. Applications must be received via GoSmart, email or in-person at the ASCA’s office by the deadline.
Application Review: Early December 2025.
Award Agreements Generated: Late-December 2025, beginning of January 2026.
Project Implementation: Supported activities may begin once the grant award agreement is fully executed.
Project Completion Deadline: All project activities must be completed by Friday, July 31, 2026.
Final Report Deadline: The final report is due no later than Monday, August 31, 2026.
A match is not required for this grant. Grant funds may be used for the following expenses:
Direct personnel/staffing costs and other contracted or purchased services, especially artist and culture bearer fees
Marketing and promotions costs
Facilities costs and equipment rental fees
Non-capital equipment, supplies, and materials purchase (valued at less than $5,000)
Travel and transportation costs
Postage, freight, and shipping
Administrative costs (no greater than 15% of the total requested grant amount)
NOT ALLOWABLE: Costs for lobbying, entertainment or fundraising, indirect costs, individual scholarships, capital equipment or facilities projects costing greater than $5,000, and alcohol.
Successful proposals will align with one or more of the following program goals:
Commemorate: To support the creation and presentation of artistic works that commemorate the 250th anniversary by exploring and interpreting Alaska's unique history, cultures, and contributions to the American story.
Educate: To support arts-based educational programming that engages Alaskans in learning about our shared past and inspires creative reflection on our nation's future.
Engage & Connect: To engage and connect citizens in arts and cultural activities that foster connection, dialogue and conversations about our communities, state, and nation.
Grants are awarded on the basis of artistic excellence and artistic merit in relation to the review criteria, proposed project, and the goals of the America 250 Alaska grant program. A selection committee will review all applications. All applications will be reviewed for award through the lens of the following criteria:
Artist & Culture Bearer Leadership: Applicant proposes arts-based activities that include artists and culture bearers as key leaders and has identified the way they are involved with the project from planning to culmination.
Project Quality and Artistic Merit: The planning and implementation of the arts practice, as proposed, is thoughtful and of high quality and is of central importance within the project.
Alignment with America 250 Goals: The applicant has clearly described how the project honors the 250th anniversary and supports the goals of the America 250 Alaska grant program.
Community Engagement and Impact: The project identifies how Alaskans will be engaged and describes the intended audience or participants.
Project Feasibility: The application reflects a clear timeline and feasible project plan, which can be completed by the deadline. The budget and project logistics are feasible and appropriate for the proposed activity.
Application materials will be available for download on the ASCA website beginning November 1, 2025. Completed applications must be submitted by the deadline via mail, in person, or email.
GoSmart (preferred): https://alaska.gosmart.org/page.php?id=566
Email: asca.grants@alaska.gov. Please use the subject line "America 250 Alaska Grant Application" and the applicant's name.
Application Deadline: Monday, December 1, 2025, 4:30pm AKT. ASCA is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday – Friday, closed on the weekends and holidays. Applications must be received via GoSmart, email or in-person at the ASCA’s office by the deadline.
Please contact us with questions or for technical assistance; in particular, please contact us right away if the application materials and requested submission process present a barrier to access.
For questions about this grant program or for assistance with your application, please contact the program staff. They can help clarify eligibility, discuss project ideas, and provide feedback on application materials.
Patti Oksoktaruk Lillie, Indigenous Arts and Culture Program Director
Charlie Sears, Community Arts Development Director
161 Klevin Street, Suite 102 Anchorage, AK 99508-1506
Telephone: 907-269-6610 Toll-free: 1-888-278-7424
Fax: 907-269-6601 TTY: 1-800-770-8973
asca.info@alaska.gov